Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in female clinic attendees in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to determine the prevalence of common bacterial sexually transmitted infections, including Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, in women attending clinics in the Solomon Islands.


METHODS
We conducted a sexual health survey among women attending three nurse-led community outpatient clinics in August 2014, to establish the prevalence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in female clinic attenders in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Vaginal swab samples were tested for infection with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae using a commercial strand displacement amplification assay. Serum samples were tested for syphilis.


RESULTS
We enrolled 296 women, aged 16-49, attending three clinics. Knowledge of safe sexual practices was high but reported condom usage was low. The prevalence of infection with C. trachomatis was 20%. The prevalence of infection with N. gonorrhoeae and syphilis were 5.1% and 4.1%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Bacterial sexually transmitted infections are a major health problem in the Solomon Islands. Interventions are urgently needed.
Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.
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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7585-4743
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Marks
Department of STI and HIV Prevention, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
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Kako
Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Butcher
National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
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Lauri
National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
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Puiahi
National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
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Pitakaka
Eye Health Department, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
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Sokana
World Health Organization Country Office, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
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Kilua
Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia.
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Roth
Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Solomon
Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Mabey
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008542:Melanesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chlamydia; gonorrhoea; sexual health