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The article presents a study on the characteristics of sexual partner and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among young adults and adolescents. It reveals the assessment of sexual partner characteristics, individual sexual activities, and STD diagnosis of clinic attendees. It cites the use of logistic regression to compute the odd ratios (OR) for sexual partner characteristics, demographic profiles, individual sexual activities, and the use of condom. It found out the association of age and history of STD as the prevailing sexual partner characteristics while composite partner risk is related to STD diagnosis. It further asserts the increased risk of prevalent STD in sexual partner characteristics.

Background and Objectives: Few data are available on the prevalence of and risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) other than HIV in Brazil. Goal: The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and other STDs in Brazilian women who seek HIV testing, investigate risk factors for these infections, and assess feasibility of screening in HIV test clinic settings. Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 200 women, aged 14 to 29 years, who attended an HIV testing site in central Rio de Janeiro. Participants completed a questionnaire and received testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Results: HIV and other STDs were common (HIV 8%, syphilis 6.5%, chlamydial infection 8%, and gonorrhea 9.5%). HIV was significantly associated with lower education and with having an HIVinfected partner. Other STDs were significantly associated with younger age at first intercourse, heavy alcohol consumption, and marijuana use. Conclusion: STDs appear to be substantial health problems among young Brazilian women seeking HIV testing. HIV testing sites in Brazil should consider offering screening and treatment for STDs and substance abuse as part of their HIV prevention services.

Objectives': Little is known about sexually transmitted disease (STD) knowledge of primary care providers. The objectives of this study were to determine the knowledge about the management of STDs among primary care physicians and to identify physician characteristics associated with possession of STD knowledge. Study: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1600 obstetrician/gynecologists, pediatricians, family physicians, and internists practicing in Pennsylvania. Information on physician and patient demographics was gathered, and we assessed knowledge and practice patterns concerning the management of STDs in young women. Results: Physician knowledge regarding the evaluation and management of women with or at risk for STDs was associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–3.2), age ≤40 (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4–3.6), and metropolitan practice location (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.6). Familiarity with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) STD treatment guidelines was independently associated with STD knowledge (OR: 2.1); 95% CI: 1.2, 3.3). Physicians with good STD knowledge were more likely to report routinely screening at-risk women for Chlamydia trachomatis (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.3–6.8). Conclusions: Inadequacies in physician knowledge may serve as a barrier to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of STDs. Interventions to improve STD management practices should include continuing medical education and distribution of CDC's STD treatment guidelines to primary care providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]