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PubMed1990

HIV infection in patients attending clinics for sexually transmitted diseases in England and Wales 1988. A Collaborative Study by Consultants in Genitourinary Medicine and the Public Health Laboratory Service.

A national study of the prevalence of HIV antibody in homosexual and heterosexual patients attending sexually transmitted disease clinics in the years 1985-7 was continued in 1988. Among homosexual men in two clinics in south east England HIV antibody was less prevalent in 1988 (30 (7.1%) of 420) than in 1987 (81 (14.6%) of 556) but was more prevalent in 1988 in other regions where the corresponding findings were 48 (4.9%) of 975 and 36 (2.8%) of 1291. HIV antibody prevalence continued to be higher in homosexual men aged 25 or more years or with one or more specified minor complaints. The trend was similar in heterosexual patients: among men in the south east in 1988 HIV antibody was found in 1 (0.1%) of 948 but in 10 (1.0%) of 962 in 1987 and among women in 1 (0.1%) of 1043 in 1988 but in 7 (0.7%) of 949 in 1987. In other regions the corresponding findings for men were 2 (0.1%) of 5620 in 1988 and 3 (0.1%) of 5312 in 1987 and for women were 7 (0.2%) of 4483 in 1988 and 1 (0.1%) of 4778 in 1987. The two most notable differences between findings in 1987 and 1988 were that in the south east the number of heterosexual intravenous drug abusers with HIV antibody decreased from five to one among men and from five to none among women and for the first time in the study HIV antibody positive women without known risk factors were identified--1 (0.1%) of 1043 in the south east and 2 (0.04%) of 4483 in other regions. Refusals to participate continued to increase but, as before, comparison of patients who agreed and refused in terms of age, the presence of symptoms suggesting HIV infection, travel abroad, and number of sexual partners in the past twelve months showed little evidence of selective bias that might have artificially reduced the prevalence.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Sexual risk reduction for persons living with HIV: research synthesis of randomized controlled trials, 1993 to 2004.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analytic review of interventions to reduce HIV individuals' sexual risk. DESIGN: Studies were included if they examined a deliberate sexual risk-reduction strategy in a sample that included HIV participants, used a randomized controlled trial design, measured condom use or number of sexual partners after the intervention, and provided sufficient information to calculate effect size (ES) estimates. METHOD: Reports were gathered from computerized databases, by contacting individual researchers, by searching relevant journals and conference proceedings, and by reviewing reference sections of obtained papers. Data from 15 studies (N = 3234 participants) available as of November 30, 2004 were included. ES estimates were standardized mean differences. RESULTS: Across the studies, intervention participants exhibited lowered sexual risk relative to control participants on condom use (mean ES = 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08 to 0.25) but not for number of sexual partners (mean ES = -0.01, 95% CI: -0.16 to 0.14). Interventions were more successful at increasing condom use if the sample included fewer men who have sex with men (MSM) or younger participants and when interventions included motivational and skills components. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral interventions reduced sexual risk especially if they included motivational and skills components. Such interventions have been less effective for older samples, suggesting the need for further refinement to enhance their efficacy. Motivation-and skill-based interventions have not yet been tested with HIV MSM who, in general, seem to have benefited less from extant risk-reduction interventions.

Condoms↗
PubMed1990

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III in an adolescent with Bowenoid papulosis.

Bowenoid papulosis (BP) is a cutaneous condition of the external genitalia seen primarily in young adults. Evidence supports an etiologic role of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly type 16. HPV-16 is also associated with an increased risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive carcinoma. A 17-year-old female, referred to the adolescent dysplasia clinic with a diagnosis of condyloma acuminatum, was presented. She had multiple smooth, shiny, brown 3- to 4-mm papules on the external genitalia. Biopsy confirmed BP. Colposcopic examination of the cervix and biopsy showed CIN III. The patient's sexual partner was examined colposcopically, and no suspicious lesions were seen. The patient underwent laser vaporization of her external genital and cervical lesions. At the time of treatment, some of the initial BP lesions had spontaneously regressed. This case highlights the need to evaluate females with BP for possible CIN, to examine sexual partners, and to use ablative therapy, as there is the potential of malignant progression in BP.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of 90 mg versus 20 mg fluoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

PURPOSE: We compare the efficacy and side effects of 90 mg fluoxetine once weekly versus 20 mg fluoxetine as single oral therapy for patients complaining of premature ejaculation without evident organic causes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 80 patients with a mean age of 36 years with premature ejaculation who presented to the urology clinic of 3 hospitals in Barcelona. Pretreatment evaluation included history and physical examination, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Meares-Stamey test and ejaculatory latency time evaluation. The patients were randomized into treatment groups receiving 1 capsule of 90 mg fluoxetine a week (group 1) and 1 capsule of 20 mg fluoxetine a day (group 2) for 3 months. The 4-month followup included: ejaculatory latency time measurement, IIEF and partner sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: Mean pretreatment ejaculatory latency times for groups 1 and 2 were 0.48 minute (range 0 to 2.10) and 0.50 minute (0 to 2.04), respectively. After 3 months of treatment of weekly and daily administration of fluoxetine mean ejaculatory latency time was 3.57 and 3.37 minutes, respectively (p >0.01). Partner sexual satisfaction and IIEF rate were greater with 90 mg fluoxetine but no statistical difference was found. Nausea, insomnia and headache were reported side effects but no significant difference was noted between 90 and 20 mg fluoxetine. CONCLUSIONS: In men with premature ejaculation 90 mg fluoxetine weekly may be regarded as an effective and safe treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Use of sildenafil citrate in treatment of Taiwanese men with erectile dysfunction: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of Taiwanese men with erectile dysfunction in the post-marketing era. METHODS: From March 24, 1999 to September 30, 1999, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of Sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction. We used questions 3 and 4 of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as objective efficacy end-points. The patients used a home medication diary to record the subjective efficacy and side effects of sildenafil and their satisfaction with this drug as well as that of their sexual partners. RESULTS: There were 415 patients with erectile dysfunction in our survey. Their ages ranged from 29 to 85 years old with a mean of 60 years. Of these, 212 patients (51.1%) returned their home medication diaries. The satisfaction rate of these patients was 81.6% and the satisfaction rate of their sexual partners was 71.2%. About 71% of these patients achieved more than 60% rigidity. The most common side effect was facial flushing (45.8%), followed by dizziness (13.7%), visual disturbances (10.8%), headache (8%), nasal congestion (8%) and dyspepsia (4.7%). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil citrate is an effective oral medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Taiwanese men. Our study noted more facial flushing and visual disturbances than other studies. These side effects were transient and well tolerated by most of the patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Is peer education the best approach for HIV prevention in schools? Findings from a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of peer education when compared to teacher-led curricula in AIDS prevention programs conducted in schools in Rome, Italy. METHODS: Eighteen high schools were randomly assigned to one of two prevention programs: one led by teachers and the other by peer leaders. A sample of students attending the last 2 years (n = 1295) completed pre and post-intervention questionnaires. Changes in sexual behaviors, knowledge, prevention skills, risk perception and attitudes were first evaluated within each intervention group. Afterwards, changes in knowledge, prevention skills, risk perception, and attitudes total scale scores (post-test scores minus pre-test scores) were compared between the two groups, through linear regression models, in order to control for confounders, taking into account the within-school correlation in score changes. As for sexual behaviors, number of sexual partners and frequency of condom use in the 3 months before post-test were compared by intervention group through ordinal regression models, also taking into account behaviors reported before pre-test. RESULTS: For both groups, we observed significant improvements in skills, knowledge, attitudes and risk perception. The peer-led group showed a 6.7% (95% C.I. 1.9-11.5) scores greater improvement in knowledge, compared to the teacher-led group. In neither group were improvements observed in condom use or number of sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS: The only apparent benefit of the peer-led intervention, compared to that led by teachers, was a greater improvement in knowledge of HIV. Neither of the interventions induced changes in sexual behavior. However, the role of possible biases and methodological problems must be considered when interpreting these results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Risk factors for repeatedly reactive HIV-1 EIA and indeterminate western blots. A population-based case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Causes of indeterminate results of Western blot testing (IWB) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 include seroconversion, HIV-2 cross-reactivity, and autoimmune disease, but most IWB results remain unexplained. This case-control study assessed risk factors for IWB results, including early HIV infection, other retroviral infection, autoantibodies, and other medical conditions. DESIGN: Prospective study to determine HIV seroconversion rate, with a case-control design to assess other risk factors for IWB. Cases (persons with one or more repeatedly reactive HIV-1 enzyme immunoassay with IWB), their current sexual partners, and controls (persons with negative enzyme immunoassay and Western blot results) were recruited from blood banks, health department and prenatal clinics, and private providers in Washington and Oregon. RESULTS: Of 244 cases enrolled, 206 were followed up for 6 months or longer, and six (3.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7% to 5.3%) with recent HIV risk behaviors seroconverted. The Western blot banding patterns differed among groups; cases usually had p17 or p24 bands, while controls and cases' sexual partners usually had polymerase bands. Conditional logistic regression indicated that independent risk factors for IWB among male cases and controls were a tetanus booster in the past 2 years (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2 to 8.6) and sexual contact with a prostitute (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.0 to 9.5). Independent risk factors for women were parity (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.4) and autoantibodies, either rheumatoid factor or antinuclear antibodies (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.03 to 5.6). No cross-reactivity was detected with HIV-2, human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1, feline immunodeficiency or feline leukemia, or bovine immunodeficiency viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of persons with reactive HIV-1 enzyme immunoassays and IWB should include an assessment of HIV risk and other possible risk factors, such as alloimmunization (ie, parity or recent immunization) or autoantibodies (ie, antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor). The relationship of IWB among men who reported sex with prostitutes is intriguing and warrants further study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Relationship of Ureaplasma urealyticum biovar 2 to nongonococcal urethritis.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Ureaplasma urealyticum biovars 1 and 2 among 340 men with or without nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) attending a venereal disease clinic in Sweden. NGU was defined by the presence of at least four polymorphonuclear leukocytes per microscopic field (x1,000 magnification) on a smear in which Neisseria gonorrhoeae could not be detected. Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and biovar determination was performed directly on the amplicons by liquid hybridization with biovar-specific probes. Patients with NGU were younger, had had more sexual partners, and exhibited symptoms of urethritis more often than patients without NGU. Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected with the same frequency among patients with and among those without NGU. Among patients with NGU, Ureaplasma urealyticum-positive men were more frequently symptomatic than Ureaplasma urealyticum-negative men. Among patients without NGU, Ureaplasma urealyticum-positive men had had more sexual partners than Ureaplasma urealyticum-negative men. Ureaplasma urealyticum biovar 2 was detected more often among patients with NGU than among those without (P=0.012). Logistic regression analysis was performed using detection of biovar 2 as the response variable and the following four variables as explanatory variables: presence or absence of NGU, symptoms of urethritis, number of partners, and age < or = 24 years. The only association found was that between Ureaplasma urealyticum biovar 2 and age < or = 24 years. More studies should be conducted to determine the possible pathogenic impact of Ureaplasma urealyticum biovar 2.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Slimness is associated with greater intercourse and lesser masturbation frequency.

I examined the relationship of recalled and diary recorded frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse (FSI), noncoital partnered sexual activity, and masturbation to measured waist and hip circumference in 120 healthy adults aged 19-38. Slimmer waist (in men and in the sexes combined) and slimmer hips (in men and women) were associated with greater FSI. Slimmer waist and hips were associated with rated importance of intercourse for men. Noncoital partnered sexual activity had a less consistent association with slimness. Slimmer waist and hips were associated with less masturbation (in men and in the sexes combined). I discuss the results in terms of differences between different sexual behaviors, attractiveness, emotional relatedness, physical sensitivity, sexual dysfunction, sociobiology, psychopharmacological aspects of excess fat and carbohydrate consumption, and implications for sex therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Hepatitis B virus infection among street youths in Montreal.

BACKGROUND: Street youths are at high risk for many health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases and bloodborne infections. The authors conducted a cross-sectional anonymous study from December 1995 to September 1996 involving street youths in Montreal to estimate the prevalence of risk behaviours for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and of markers of past and present HBV infection. METHODS: Participants were 437 youths aged 14 to 25 meeting specific criteria for itinerancy who were recruited in collaboration with the 20 major street youth agencies in Montreal. Sociodemographic and lifetime risk factor data were obtained during a structured interview, and a blood sample was taken to test for HBV markers (hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen). Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 19.5 years; 69.3% (303/437) were males. Many subjects had high-risk behaviours: 45.8% (200/437) had injected drugs, 24.5% (107/436) had engaged in prostitution, and 8.7% (38/437) reported having a sexual partner with a history of unspecified hepatitis. The prevalence rate for one or both HBV markers was 9.2% (40/434) (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.7%-12.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being over 18 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.5, 95% CI 1.8-11.7), having injected drugs (adjusted OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.5-8.3) and having had a sexual partner who had unspecified hepatitis (adjusted OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.5) were all associated with HBV infection. INTERPRETATION: Street youths are at high risk for HBV infection. Early and complete HBV vaccination among this vulnerable population is urgently needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Characteristics and sexual behaviour of individuals attending the sexually transmitted diseases clinic at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Blantyre, Malawi.

Characteristics and sexual behaviour, knowledge of HIV and knowledge of attitudes to and use of the condom were assessed by a questionnaire survey of a sample of 734 patients attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. The male respondents had a mean age of 27.4 years compared with 24.5 for the women. Nearly two thirds of either sex reported more than one sexual partner during the previous year. Thirty one percent of the females and 43% of the males admitted having ever exchanged money directly for sex. Knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention, and the condom was generally good. Only 24% male and 45% female respondents reported having ever used the condom, with 27% and 43% respectively using it sometimes. No respondent used the condom always. The most common reported reason for not using the condom was partner refusal. Many of the respondents exhibited a high level of HIV risk behaviour.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Biosocial aspects of domestic violence.

Domestic violence, defined as acts of verbal abuse and physical violence performed against women by current intimate main partners, was surveyed by means of the Conflict Tactics Scale. We examined the relationships between a biological variable (testosterone level), social variables (demographics, social integration), and behaviour (substance use) and self-reported domestic violence. Forced-entry OLS regression models allowed us to study how social and behavioural variables modified the effects of testosterone on this specific violent behaviour. The sample consisted of 54 men who had a main sexual partner and who identified themselves as Black, White, or Hispanic. The men were recruited from various social-service-agency sites in the area of Miami, Florida, on the basis of their risk factors for HIV/AIDS. The sample can best be described as culturally diverse men of low socioeconomic status who had a main sexual partner. A high percentage of participants reported some level of both verbal and physical aggression towards their partners. Testosterone levels were significantly associated with levels of both verbal aggression and physical violence self-reported by the men. Testosterone level, demographic characteristics, and alcohol consumption contributed to explaining the variance in self-reported verbal and physical abuse. The high heritability of testosterone level and its association with violent behaviour warrant the inclusion of this variable in studies of antisocial and criminal behaviour including domestic violence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Are we testing the right people? Results of a patient questionnaire in the STD and HIV counselling office of the local health authority in the city of Cologne].

BACKGROUND: HIV testing and counselling is offered free of charge in most local health offices in Germany. During 2003, a survey was performed among German-speaking clients of the Cologne local health office to look at socio-demographic background, reasons for testing and sexual risk behaviour. METHODS: All German-speaking clients attending the HIV counselling office from March to July 2003 were asked to fill in an anonymous standardised questionnaire. Questions included demographic characteristics, social status, STI history, reasons for HIV testing, sexual orientation and number of sexual partners. Data were compared to the general Cologne population regarding demographic characteristics. Female respondents were compared to heterosexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM); German respondents were compared to migrants using SPSS 14.0. RESULTS: A total of 457 female and 488 male clients participated (response rate 93.9 %). Average age was 28.4 years. Of all participants, 17.7 % were of non-German origin. The respondents had a high school degree in 80.8 % of the cases compared to 33.5 % in the general Köln population (p < 0.001). Among men, 30.2 % were MSM. Having a "new partner" or "unprotected sex with a person with unknown HIV status" were reported by 483 (39.8 %) and 373 (30.8 %) as reasons for testing. 38.7 % of the respondents reported choosing the local health office for HIV testing because it was free of charge and 24.5 % because it was anonymous. Women and heterosexual men had a median of 1, MSM a median of 3 sexual partners within the past 6 months (p < 0.001). Vaccination against hepatitis B was reported by 34.4 % of the clients, the proportion was higher among MSM (46.9 % p < 0.001) and lower among migrants. 112 (11.9 %) persons reported having had a previous STI. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of MSM, the offer of free and anonymous HIV testing and counselling does not reach persons who carry a higher risk for HIV. As the risk for STI is higher than for HIV in Germany and there is a low public awareness, HIV counselling should be used for comprehensive sexual health counselling and include the offer for STI testing, Further outreaching efforts and other settings are necessary to reach persons with a low education level and highly vulnerable persons.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Evidence-based recommendations for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections in the Angolan Armed Forces: challenges and opportunities at the end of 30 years of war.

OBJECTIVE: The goal was the development of culturally sensitive, evidence-based recommendations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention for Angolan soldiers. METHODS: Eight focus groups (N = 68) were conducted with Angolan soldiers in 2002. Qualitative data were analyzed for soldiers' HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs)-related knowledge and behaviors. RESULTS: More than 37% of participants reported having more than one sexual partner at the time of the study. Many soldiers had little knowledge regarding HIV/STI transmission and symptoms, and most did not use condoms. Soldiers identified the following factors that need to be addressed in HIV/STI prevention campaigns among military personnel: lack of HIV awareness and knowledge, limited condom availability and use, heavy alcohol use before sex, and the tendency to have multiple sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for prevention in the Angolan military are presented. A multifaceted HIV prevention program for the Angolan military that addresses informational, interpersonal, and system-level barriers must be implemented now.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Religious differentials in the sexual and reproductive behaviors of young women in the United States.

PURPOSE: To examine whether religious involvement and affiliation during early adolescence is associated with reduced levels of sexual risk. METHODS: We used nationally representative data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) to examine the relationship between religious affiliation and frequency of attendance at religious services at age 14 years and a range of sexual behaviors among women aged 15-24 years, including age of first intercourse, contraceptive use, timing of first family planning visit, timing of birth, and number of sexual partners. The majority of young women had mothers with at least a high school education (79%) and had been living with both parents at age 14 (57%). Two-thirds of the sample was white, 12% Hispanic, and 15% black, and a substantial minority is poor (18%) or low-income (24%). We used bivariate analysis to describe variation in behavior according to religious affiliation and frequency of attendance. We used multivariate techniques to assess the role of religion once other factors are taken into account. RESULTS: Bivariate relationships suggest that both affiliation and attendance are associated with age of first sex, contraceptive use at first sex, teen births, and number of sexual partners. However, most of these associations disappear once we control for young women's demographic characteristics. Multivariate analyses show that religious affiliation shares few associations with sexual behaviors, though frequent attendance at religious services at age 14 years continues to have a strong delaying effect on the timing of first intercourse. CONCLUSION: Frequency of attendance and religious affiliation have little impact on sexual behaviors once intercourse occurs.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Risky sexual behavior and alcohol use among young adults: results from a national survey.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between alcohol use and sexual activity in a sample of young adults. DESIGN: Data were collected as part of a 1990 survey of a multistage area household probability sample. SETTING: In-home interviews were conducted by experienced interviewers. SUBJECTS: In total, 1006 persons from 18 to 30 years of age living in the contiguous United States were contacted. MEASURES: Detailed information was collected on alcohol use and sexual behavior. To minimize the reluctance of respondents to answer queries on sexual behavior, those questions were contained in a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: At the population level, having had multiple sexual partners in the past year was more likely among men who consumed five or more drinks per sitting. Condom use was less likely among respondents who had consumed five or more drinks on at least one occasion in the past year. In multivariate analyses, the amount of alcohol consumed at the new partner event was not associated with condom use with a new partner. When the effects of other demographic and psychosocial factors were removed, the number of drinks consumed during the heaviest drinking event was a significant predictor of engaging in sex for women but not for men. CONCLUSION: In young adults, alcohol use with sex does not necessarily lead directly to lapses in judgment about safe sexual practices. Alcohol is but one of a number of factors that play an important role in determining the riskiness of a particular sexual encounter.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Patient characteristics, HIV serostatus, and risk behaviors among gay and bisexual males seeking treatment for methamphetamine abuse and dependence in Los Angeles.

Methamphetamine, a drug used at alarming rates among gay/bisexual males in the West, is often combined with sexual activities, thereby increasing HIV-related risks in an already high-risk group. Findings from 68 gay/bisexual men seeking treatment for methamphetamine dependence in Hollywood, California were analyzed to predict HIV serostatus based on demographic, drug use, or sexual behavior variables. Results showed that more HIV-infected participants than non-infected men reported medical problems (97.6% versus 46.2%; X2 = 24.7, df = 1, p < .0001), histories of genital gonorrhea (59.5% versus 26.9%; X2 = 6.9, df = 1, p < .01), use of injection methods (45.2% versus 19.2%; X2 = 4.8, df = 1, p < .03), and more sexual partners with unprotected receptive anal intercourse in the 30 days prior to intake (5.9 versus 0.7; separate t = 3.5, df = 43.7, p < .001). More non-infected participants (19.2%) reported suicidal thoughts than HIV-infected men (0%; X2 = 4.8, df = 1, p < .03). Discriminant function analysis correctly classified 74.6% of cases into serostatus groupings based on presence of suicidal thoughts, history of gonorrhea, number of sexual partners with unprotected receptive anal intercourse and prior methamphetamine treatment. Findings provide information that may prove helpful in tailoring culturally relevant treatment and prevention messages.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1997

[Knowledge, attitude and behavior among patients with Chlamydia. Perspectives for prevention].

Patients with chlamydial infections (Ct) attending the outpatient Venereal Disease Clinic of Copenhagen from July 1-November 30 1995 were asked to fill in a questionnaire focusing upon knowledge, attitude and behaviour related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in order to strengthen the future prevention of Ct. The questionnaire was answered by 37 men and 35 women with a median age of 27 and 21 years and a median number of three and two sexual partners within the last six months, respectively. Half of the patients had previously had an STD, and 92% had been tested for HIV, of whom one homosexual man was known HIV-positive. Notification about exposure from a partner was the reason for attending for 24%. All but one were in favour of partner notification, but only 6% wanted provider referral. During last intercourse condoms had neither been used with a steady partner by 75% especially by the young and women, who thought themselves safe, nor with a casual partner by 52% especially among the young and men, mainly because of thoughtlessness or perception of low risk. Before the actual STD diagnosis only 49% were able to name one symptom and 35% one complication related to Ct. A majority (79%) stated, that fear of catching another Ct would lead to better protection, and 70% found that more information would have a preventive effect. Future Ct prevention programs in Denmark should include intensified chlamydial screening and partner notification together with centrally produced mass media information supplemented by individual counselling.

Adolescent↗