International journal of STD & AIDS
-
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between information and views held by service users before obtaining help from a genitourinary medicine (GUM) service and the accessibility and use of the service, and to determine potential intervention measures for change. A structured questionnaire was completed by 292 first-time GUM service users in a large UK city in 1994. Overall 94 (57.7%) of 163 male service users and 59 (48.4%) of 122 female service users had some information about the service before seeking help, although this difference was not significant. ⋯ The results of this study show a clear need to project increased awareness and information about this GUM service so as to encourage use of the range of services available and promote more positive feelings about using the service. Information in written media as well as through other health professionals may be of benefit. Further work is needed to study the effect of information provision in influencing the large number of potential service users to make use of sexual health services.
-
A significant association of Mycoplasma genitalium with non-gonococcal urethritis has been reported, but the prevalence of this mycoplasma in men with gonococcal urethritis has not been so well studied. In this study, we examined urethral swab specimens from 45 Japanese male patients with gonococcal urethritis for the presence of M. genitalium by using a polymerase chain reaction-based assay. ⋯ Of the 45 specimens, 2 (4.4%) were positive for the mycoplasma and 12 (26.7%) were positive for C. trachomatis. The findings suggest that M. genitalium may be a cause not only of non-gonococcal urethritis but also of postgonococcal urethritis.
-
Networks of concurrent sexual partnerships may be the primary cause of epidemic spread of HIV-1 in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. This pattern of sexual behaviour increases the likelihood that individuals experiencing primary HIV-1 infection transmit the virus to other persons. ⋯ However, prevention of transmission in the endemic phase also requires a greater awareness of early clinical manifestations of HIV-1 infection in the general population. Such awareness, coupled with the availability of condoms and access to HIV-1 testing facilities, may reduce transmission in discordant couples.