Original Research

Risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men

Matshidiso A. Malefo, Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf, Mathildah M. Mokgatle
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 15, No 1 | a4080 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.4080 | © 2023 Matshidiso A. Malefo, Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf, Mathildah M. Mokgatle | This work is licensed under Other
Submitted: 11 March 2023 | Published: 17 October 2023

About the author(s)

Matshidiso A. Malefo, School of Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf, School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Mathildah M. Mokgatle, School of Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global public health concern and sub-Saharan Africa, has limited data on STIs in the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. Syndromic management has controversies for treating asymptomatic STIs (ASTIs).

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the risk factors for STIs among MSM.

Setting: This study was conducted in Tshwane North, Gauteng Province in South Africa.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using structured questionnaires, rapid plasma reagent test, from December 2021 to May 2022. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used for statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 200 MSM with the mean age of 27.6, standard deviations: 6.8 participated, and STIs prevalence was 66%, with 37% concurrent infections. Ureaplasma urealyticum was (24%), Mycoplasma hominis (23%), Chlamydia trachomatis (20%), Treponema pallidum (20%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (9%). The risk factors for acquisition of STI include having a new partner in the last month (OR = 1.68; CI: 0.98–3.13).

Conclusion: The prevalence of ASTIs is high. Serial and multiple sexual partners are the risk factors.

Contribution: This study contributes to the body of knowledge of the burden of STIs among high-risk population.


Keywords

men who have sex with men; asymptomatic; sexually transmitted infections; risk factors; sexual behaviour; alcohol use; HIV

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Metrics

Total abstract views: 3619
Total article views: 6754

 

Crossref Citations

1. Development of an mHealth App by Experts for Queer Individuals’ Sexual-Reproductive Health Care Services and Needs: Nominal Group Technique Study
Raikane James Seretlo, Hanlie Smuts, Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle
JMIR Formative Research  vol: 8  first page: e59963  year: 2024  
doi: 10.2196/59963

2. We are treated differently: Experiences of men who have sex with men in South African clinics
Tshivhase T. Ravele, Raikane J. Seretlo, Mathildah M. Mokgatle
South African Family Practice  vol: 67  issue: 1  year: 2025  
doi: 10.4102/safp.v67i1.6050

3. Impact of COVID-19 on the HIV Treatment Outcomes Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in South Africa After the Implementation of a Differentiated Service Delivery Model: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Betty Sebati, Edith Phalane, Yegnanew A. Shiferaw, Jacqueline Pienaar, Stanford Furamera, Refilwe Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health  vol: 22  issue: 3  first page: 452  year: 2025  
doi: 10.3390/ijerph22030452

4. Detection and antimicrobial susceptibility of genital mycoplasmas in women and men, with 23S rRNA and parC mutation analysis in Mycoplasma genitalium
Neda Fazeli, Babak Kheirkhah, Nadia Kazemipour
Scientific Reports  vol: 16  issue: 1  year: 2026  
doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-45698-5

5. Development of an mHealth App Prototype for LGBTQIA+ Individuals’ Sexual and Reproductive Health in Gauteng Province, South Africa: Design Science Research Study
Raikane James Seretlo, Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle, Hanlie Smuts, Nombulelo Veronica Sepeng
JMIR Formative Research  vol: 9  first page: e79593  year: 2025  
doi: 10.2196/79593

6. Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Population of South African Nonhealth Seeking Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Were Invited for Screening—A Brief Report
Matshidiso Adelaide Malefo, Olalekan Abdulwahab Ayo-Yusuf, Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle
Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC)  vol: 23  year: 2024  
doi: 10.1177/23259582241299468

7. Assessing N. gonorrhoeae prevalence and testing capacity for new treatment rollout: a scoping review for Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and South Africa
Matilda Subek Simon, Alla Babekr, Moaaz A. Elhadad, João Pires, Mathias Nsiah, Fernando Pascual Martinez, Teri Roberts, Sabine Dittrich
BMC Infectious Diseases  vol: 26  issue: 1  year: 2026  
doi: 10.1186/s12879-026-13351-1