HIV seropositivity, patterns, and clinico-epidemiological profile of sexually transmitted infection patients attending the Suraksha Clinic of a tertiary care public hospital in southern Rajasthan, India—A cross-sectional study

HIV seropositivity, patterns, and clinico-epidemiological profile of sexually transmitted infection patients attending the Suraksha Clinic of a tertiary care public hospital in southern Rajasthan, India—A cross-sectional study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article HIV seropositivity, patterns, and clinico-epidemiological profile of sexually transmitted infection patients attending the Suraksha Clinic of a tertiary care public hospital in southern Rajasthan, India—A cross-sectional study Shikha Mehta, Rajath Rao, Sharad Mehta, Keerti Singh This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7230431/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 20 Nov, 2025 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted 13 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background The current study aimed to determine the clinical-epidemiological profile, patterns, and HIV seropositivity among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic by the National AIDS Control Organization in southern Rajasthan, India. Methodology This cross-sectional study was performed among 300 STI patients via a questionnaire. The proportions of STI patients with various clinical-epidemiological backgrounds are expressed as frequencies and percentages. The associations between the sex distributions of the clinical parameters of STI patients were assessed via the chi-square test. Results Among the 300 STI patients, only 85 (28.3%) used condoms. Nearly half of them (51%) had their first sexual contact at approximately 15–19 years of age, and more than half (52.7%) had more than one sexual partner. The most common STIs were herpes genitalis (56.8%) in males and vaginal discharge (58.9%) in females. Overall, HIV seropositivity was observed in 7.7% ( 95% CI: 5.2–11.2% ) of patients. HIV seropositivity was more common among the bridge population (17.2%) than among the other populations (4.2%). Conclusion Only one out of four STI patients used condoms. One out of two had more than one sexual partner. Almost one in ten STI patients were HIV seropositive. The bridge population was more likely to be HIV seropositive than the other populations were. Health sciences/Diseases Health sciences/Health care Health sciences/Medical research Biological sciences/Microbiology Health sciences/Risk factors Sexually transmitted infections HIV Suraksha Clinic Sexual and reproductive health National AIDS Control Organization Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 What is already known about this topic Sexually transmitted infections are a significant public health issue, and HIV is a major health concern globally. In 2023, approximately 1.2 million adults aged > 15 years acquired HIV infection. Illiteracy, promiscuity, and stigma associated with STI and HIV care were factors associated with the increasing burden of STI, including HIV What does this study add? This study from the largest state of India highlights the increasing burden of STIs and more patients acquiring HIV seropositivity with various demographic and behavioral factors, including high-risk behaviors such as early age of initiation of first sexual activity and multiple sexual partners, which are significant risk factors for STIs and HIV. This study highlights the nature and pattern of STIs among patients seeking health care in a district public hospital. Identifying the most common sex-specific STIs, overall HIV seropositivity among these STI patients, and how the bridge population has a relatively high risk of HIV infection could play crucial roles in focused HIV prevention efforts. This study highlights the need for enhanced STI care and HIV prevention, improved STI and STI care and the need to strengthen existing surveillance systems to monitor trends in STI and HIV incidence in this part of India and can inform evidence-based interventions to address these existing public health challenges. Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem worldwide, including in India. Every day, more than 1 million STIs occur, which are mostly asymptomatic. Multiple pathogens are involved in the causation of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are caused mainly by bacteria and viruses.[ 1 ] STIs are disproportionately prevalent in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries, with 75–85% of new cases occurring in these places.[ 2 ] The common STIs are syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus. One in every four new cases is due to chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or trichomoniasis. The symptoms of these infections range from discharge from the urethra, discharge from the vagina, burning micturition, lower abdominal pain, genital ulcers, etc. The mode of transmission is mainly sexual contact (anal, oral, or vaginal), which can also be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, or lactation.[ 3 ] Untreated STIs can result in many complications, such as pelvic inflammatory diseases, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Mother-to-child transmission of STIs can result in stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight and prematurity, sepsis, neonatal conjunctivitis, and congenital deformities.[ 1 ] Rapidly increasing antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to untreatable gonorrhea. [ 4 ] In addition to complications from such infections, other concerns, such as psychosocial burdens, prevail among affected individuals. The main concern is that STI promotes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission by increasing HIV infection and susceptibility. [ 5 ] In India, the disease prevalence is estimated to be 6%. According to the NFHS-5 (2019-21), 12% of women aged 15–49 years who have ever had sex and 9% of men aged 15–49 years who have ever had sex reported having an STI and/or symptoms of an STI in the past 12 months. [ 6 ] The estimates also indicate that approximately 40% of women have RTIs/STIs at any given point in time, but only 1% complete the full treatment of both partners. [ 7 ] In India, through its network of 1160 designated STI/RTI clinics, which are usually situated at government health care facilities at the district level, medical colleges and above provide free standardized STI/RTI services. These clinics have been branded as ‘Suraksha Clinics’ and provide sexual and reproductive health services. [ 8 ] Treating STIs reduces the prevalence and breaks the chain of transmission in the community and is therefore the most effective form of prevention in the absence of a vaccine. [ 9 ] A systematic, regional, periodic synopsis of the prevalence of STDs among Suraksha clinic attendees would not only help to study the changing trends of STDs but also assess the effectiveness of control programmes. Early diagnosis and STI case management are cornerstones of STI control, as they reduce the prevalence and break the chain of transmission in the community. In this context, this study aimed to determine the pattern, clinical-epidemiological profile and HIV seropositivity among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic of a government medical college and hospital in southern Rajasthan. Materials and methods Study design and duration A facility-based cross-sectional study was performed for a duration of one year (January to December 2019). Study setting This study was carried out in the Department of Dermatology and Venerology in association with the Department of Community Medicine of a district government medical institution and hospital in southern Rajasthan. This hospital is a tertiary health care facility catering to the population of this city and the neighboring southern districts of Rajasthan with a 1000-bed capacity. The Department of Dermatology and Venerology, established in 1960, has been providing tertiary dermatology care and venerology care in its Suraksha Clinic. The Suraksha Clinic screens and treats approximately 25–30 suspects and cases of STI every day. Study population This study was carried out among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic. All patients with STIs attending the Suraksha Clinic, including adolescents, were included in the study. STI patients who were unable to comprehend the interview, those with self-reported psychiatric ailments or any serious illness or comorbidities, and those who did not provide informed written consent to participate in the study were excluded from the study. Sample size and sampling technique Considering that the HIV seropositivity among STI patients is approximately 34.5% [ 10 ], we needed a minimum sample size of 290 at 95% CI, 80% power, and finite population adjustment of 1800 STI cases attending the Suraksha Clinic for the previous year. The final sample size was rounded to 300 STI cases to determine the outcome. The sample size was calculated via Statulator, an online software for sample size calculation. [ 11 ] We adopted a consecutive sampling technique, a nonprobability sampling method, to select patients who were coming to the Suraksha Clinic after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study tools and techniques A pretested, structured study tool was used for the data collection. The study tool was initially written in English and then translated to the local language (Hindi) and back-translated to English with the help of medical social workers of the Department of Community Medicine. The study tool consisted of various sections. Section A consisted of sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, education, occupation, religion, monthly family income, socioeconomic class, type of family, marital status, and substance use. Section B consisted of items related to sexual history, such as chief complaints, onset and duration of disease, history of sexual exposure, last sexual activity, age of first sexual contact, type of sexual behavior, and nature of the contraceptives used. In section C, the pattern of STI, such as the number of lesions, type of lesion, and type of discharge, is described. Section D contains investigations such as Gram staining findings, KOH tests, Tzank smears, WHIFF tests, wet mounts, VDRL tests, HIV tests, urine examinations, blood sugar level tests, and final diagnoses on the basis of all these findings. The study tool was administered in the local language through face‒to-face interviews by the investigators in the presence of a dermatologist and an STI counsellor. Privacy and confidentiality were maintained throughout the study. The collected data were entered into MS Excel. All the laboratory investigations were performed as per the standard protocol and as a part of the SOP to be performed at the Suraksha Clinic as issued by the NACO. Statistical analysis plan The data analysis was performed via IBM SPSS V.20.0. A descriptive analysis was carried out to determine the clinical‒epidemiological profile and pattern of STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic. Sociodemographic variables such as education, occupation, marital status, and residence; epidemiological variables such as a history of sexual exposure/contact, the use of barrier methods of contraception, the reasons for using and not using condoms, the type of high-risk group, the bridge population, substance use, circumcision, the age of the first sexual act, sexuality, and the number of sexual partners; and clinical findings such as the number of genital lesions, the nature of the lesion, infective agents, and the diagnosis were expressed as frequencies and percentages. The proportion of HIV seropositive individuals is expressed as percentages with 95% CIs. To determine the associations between various sociodemographics and epidemiological variables and HIV seropositivity, a chi-square test of associations was used. All statistical significance was attributed to a p value < 0.05. Ethical considerations The study was approved by the institutional ethics committees of RNT Medical College and MB Government Hospital, Udaipur (Ref: RNT/Stat/IEC/2019/405). Written informed consent was obtained from all the patients. The patient information was kept confidential, and all identifiers and enablers were removed. The study followed the Declaration of Helsinki. Results Sociodemographic details of the STI patients Among the 300 STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic, most (206, 68.7%) were 18–35 years of age, approximately three-fourths (222, 74%) were males, and half (153, 51%) were from urban areas. Nearly 207 (69%) were married, and the maximum (288, 96%) belonged to the Hindu religion. Only 31 (10.3%) were illiterate, 120 (40%) were clerical/shop owners/farmers by occupation, and more than half (166, 55.4%) were in the socioeconomic class of class 4 or above. Approximately 11 (3.6%) were homosexual, and 63 (28.4%) belonged to a bridge population. Approximately 80 (26.7%) used either form of tobacco. (Table 1 ) Table 1 Sociodemographic details of the patients attending the Suraksha Clinic (N = 300) Variables Category n (%) Age (in years) 55 3 (1) Gender Females 78 (26) Males 222 (74) Residence Urban 153 (51) Rural 147 (49) Marital status Married 207(69) Unmarried 80(26.7) Divorced 4(1.3) Widow 7(2.3) Separated 2 (0.7) Religion Hindu 288 (96) Muslim 6 (2) Jain 3 (1) Others* 3 (1) Education status Illiterate 31(10.3) Primary 87(29.0) Secondary 55(18.3) Senior Secondary 15(5.0) Graduate 70(23.3) Postgraduate 39(13.0) Professional 3(1.0) Occupation Semi-Professional/Professional 3 (1.0) Clerical, Shop-owner, Farmer 120.0 (40) Skilled/Semiskilled Worker 68 (22.7) Unskilled Worker 53 (17.7) Unemployed 56 (18.6) Socioeconomic status** Class 1 20 (6.7) Class 2 39 (13.0) Class 3 75 (25.0) Class 4 119 (39.7) Class 5 47 (15.7) High-risk groups MSM 11 (3.6) IV drug users 2 (0.7) Partners OF CSW 16 (5.4) Bridge Population*** Males (n = 222) 63 (28.4) Male partners of female patients (n = 78) 19 (24.4) Substance use None 174(58) Alcohol 64(21.3) Tobacco (Smoke form) 36(12.0) Tobacco (Smokeless) 44(14.7) IV Drug 2(0.7) Comorbidity Diabetes Mellitus 18 (6) Hypertension 8 (2.7) Thyroid disorder 2 (0.7) Others (CVS, Migraine) 7 (2.3) None 265 (88.3) *others included Christians, Sikhs; **by Modified BG Prasad classification; ***includes truck drivers and migrant workers; MSM-Males having sex with males; CSW- Commercial sex workers Epidemiological details of the STI patients Among the 222 males, only 7 (3.2%) were circumcised. Nearly half of the participants (n = 139, 46.3%) used either type of contraceptive. Only 85 (28.3%) used condoms, and 25 (8.3%) used condoms regularly. Nearly 33% of patients felt that condoms interfered with their sexual pleasure and did not use it. Nearly half of them (153 (51%) had their first sexual contact at approximately 15–19 years of age), and a maximum of 288 (96%) engaged in penovaginal intercourse. More than half of the participants (158, 52.7%) had more than one sexual partner, and 167 (55.6%) had regular sexual partners. Only 55 (18.4%) had used condoms in their last coital activity. (Table 2 ) Table 2 Epidemiological details of the patients attending the Suraksha Clinic (N = 300) Variables Category n (%) Circumcision Male patients (n = 222) 7 (3.2) Male partners of female patients (n = 78) 1 (1.3) Any contraceptive usage 139 (46.3) Types of contraceptives (n = 139) Condom 85(28.3) Sterilization 23(7.7) Oral pills 11(3.7) Copper T 10(3.0) Injectables 2(0.4) Rhythm Method (Natural) 8(2.7) Frequency of condom usage Never 215 (71.7) Occasional 60 (20) Regular 25 (8.3) Age of first sexual contact 10–14 Years 12(4) 15-19Years 153(51) 20-24Years 111(37) 25-29Years 21(7) > 30 Years 3(1) Type of sexuality Heterosexual 289 (96.4) Homosexual 7 (2.3) Bisexual 4 (1.3) Type of sexual behavior Oral 0 Vaginal 288(96) Anal 8(2.6) Mixed 4(1.4) Number of partners Single Partner 142(47.3) Multiple Partner 158(52.7) Type of partner Occasional 61(20.4) Regular 167(55.6) Both 72(24) History of condom usage in last coitus used 55 (18.4) Clinical profile of the STI patients Among 300 STI patients, 261 (87%) had a single lesion in the genital tract. Nearly half of the patients (149 (49.7%)) had ulcerative lesions. The majority, 235 (78.4%), had a viral agent as the causative organism. The overall most common STI was herpes genitalis (158, 52.7%), followed by vaginal discharge (46, 15.3%) and syphilis (13.3%). Among males, herpes genitalis was most common (n = 126, 56.8%), and among females, vaginal discharge was most common (n = 46, 58.9%). More than half of the patients (159, 53%) had vesicular lesions, followed by papules (72, 24%). The overall most common presenting symptom was genital ulcers (62%), followed by burning urination (34.7%) and itching in the genital area (25.3%). Among males, the most common symptom was genital ulcers (n = 148, 66.7%), followed by burning urination (n = 70, 31.5%). Among females, the most common symptom was itching in the genitals (n = 49, 62.8%), followed by discharge (n = 46, 58.9%). Nearly one-third (109, 36.4%) had symptoms between 10 and 30 days in duration. ( Table 3 ) Table 3 Gender distribution of the clinical profile of STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic (n = 300) Variables Category n (%) Male, n = 222 (%) Female, n = 78 (%) Number of lesions in the genitals* Single 261(87) 207(93.2) 54(69.2) Multiple 39(13) 15(6.8) 24(30.8) Nature of lesion* Ulcerative 149(49.7) 129(58.1) 20(25.6) Non-Ulcerative 125(41.7) 82(36.9) 43(55.1) Mixed 26(8.6) 11(4.9) 15(19.2) Type of agent a Viral* 235 (78.4) 183 (82.4) 52 (17.4) Bacterial 52 (17.4) 32 (14.4) 18 (23) Fungal* 57 (19) 21 (9.4) 36 (46.1) Pattern of STI a Herpes Genitalis* 158(52.7) 126(56.8) 32(41.0) Syphilis 40(13.3) 32(14.4) 8(10.2) Vaginal Discharge 46(15.3) 0 46(58.9) Urethral Discharge 2(0.7) 2(0.9) 0 Molluscum* 43(14.3) 26(11.7) 17(21.7) Wart* 34(11.3) 31(14.0) 3(3.8) HIV 23(7.7) 16(7.2) 7(9) Balanoposthitis 21(7.0) 21(9.5) 0 Type of lesion a Papule 72(24.0) 51(23) 21(26.9) Vesicle* 159(53.0) 126(56.8) 33(42.3) Pustule 3(1.0) 2(0.9) 1(1.3) Ulcer 29(9.7) 22(9.9) 7(9.0) Warts* 34(11.3) 31(14) 3(3.8) Discharge* 48(16.0) 2(0.9) 46(58.9) Symptoms a Genital Discharge* 48(16) 2(0.9) 46(58.9) Itching in genitals* 76(25.3) 27(12.1) 49(62.8) Burning micturition 104(34.7) 70(31.5) 34(43.6) Genital ulcer* 186(62) 148(66.7) 38(48.1) Inguinal/scrotal swelling* 21(7) 20(9.0) 1(1.2) Abnormal bleeding 20(6.7) 0(0) 20(25.6) Painful coitus* 35(11.7) 15(6.7) 20(25.6) Wart in genitals* 34(11.3) 31(14) 3(3.8) Lower abdominal pain 2(2.5) 0(0) 2(2.5) Duration of symptoms 30days 59(19.6) 37(16.7) 22(28.2) a-Multiple response items; *statistically significant (p < 0.05) by chi-square test of association/Fischer exact test Compared with males, males presented with more single genital lesions (males: 93.2% vs females: 69.2%), ulcerative lesions (males: 58.1% vs females: 25.6%), viral causative agents (males: 82.4% vs females: 17.4%), vesicular lesions (males: 56.8% vs females: 42.3%), and warts (males: 14% vs females: 3.8%), and these differences were statistically significant. Similarly, females presented with more lesions of fungal origin (females: 46.1% vs males: 9.4%), molluscum contagiosum (females: 21.7% vs males: 11.7%), discharge from the lesion (females: 58.9% vs males: 0.9%), itching in the genitals as a main complaint (females: 62.8% vs males: 12.1%), and painful coitus (females: 25.6% vs males: 6.7%) than their counterparts did, and these differences were statistically significant. ( Table 3 ) HIV seropositivity among STI patients Among the 300 STI patients, 7.7% (n = 23, 95% CI: 5.2–11.2% ) were HIV seropositive, and 13 ( 4.4%, 95% CI: 2.5–7.2%) were newly diagnosed with HIV. There were no statistically significant differences in HIV seropositivity between males (n = 16, 7.2%) and females (n = 7, 8.9%) (p = 0.6). Additionally, we observed that the distribution of HIV-positive patients was greater among the bridge population (n = 14, 17%) than among other STI patients. (n = 9, 4.2%), and this difference in proportion was statistically significant. (p < 0.001) ( Table 4 ) Table 4 Association of HIV seropositivity among various types of STI patients (n = 300) HIV Status Bridge population (n = 82), % Other STI patients (n = 218), % Total (n = 300), % HIV positive 14(17.0) 9(4.2) 23(7.7) HIV negative 68(82.9) 209(95.8) 277(92.3) Chi-square value (df), p value = 14.1 (1), < 0.001 Discussion The present cross-sectional study in Udaipur, Rajasthan, aimed to study the sociodemographic profile, the pattern of STI, and HIV seropositivity among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic. Our study reported 222 (74%) males with a male‒female ratio of 2.84:1. Similar studies conducted by Suvirya et al. [ 5 ], Devi et al. [ 10 ], and Sharma R et al. [ 12 ] reported a greater number of STIs in males than in females, which supports the findings of our current study. In a study by Vora R et al. [ 13 ], females outnumbered males (1:0.2), as many patients were referred from the gynecology department. The most likely cause of the low proportion of STIs in females in comparison with males may be the low reporting of females to the STI clinic, the asymptomatic nature of STDs in females, a lack of knowledge, and gender inequality. 4 The majority of male and female patients were adults (≥ 18 years of age). The most common age group affected was 18–35 years (71%). The same result was observed in various previous Indian studies. [ 14 , 15 ] These findings indicate that 18–35-year-olds were comparatively more active and therefore more susceptible to STIs than their counterparts were. Additionally, this group is the most productive age group. Education and occupation lead to migration, and curiosity increases the risk of STIs. Our study reported equal representation from urban‒rural areas. In contrast, a study conducted by Nyati A. et al . in a tertiary care center in Rajasthan reported that two-thirds of the population resided in urban areas. [ 16 ] The low attendance of the rural population at STI clinics signifies a lack of awareness and knowledge about STIs and a disparity in access to healthcare services. In our study, the majority of patients were married (69%), which is supported by other Indian studies. [ 12 , 13 ] Factors such as infidelity and a lack of condom use among married people add burdens to STIs. The maximum number of patients (95% males, 98.7% females) belonged to the Hindu community. Similarly, in the study by Suvirya S et al. , the majority belonged to the Hindu community. [ 5 ] Since Muslim males have their circumcision done at an early age, there are low chances of STI among this community 17 . In our study, approximately 10% of the STI patients belonged to the high-risk group, and nearly one-fourth (27.4%) belonged to the bridge population (drivers and migrant laborers). The truck drivers and the migrant laborers stay away from home for long periods, and because of this, they meet multiple partners and commercial sex workers. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions for these groups of people. In our study, nearly half (48.6%) of the patients had a history of substance use. The majority were alcoholics (21.3%). A greater proportion of alcoholics with STIs was reported in other Indian studies. [ 17 – 19 ] Under the influence of alcohol, there is a loss of control over sexual behaviors and an increase in the desire for sexual intercourse. The mean age of sexual debut was 19.7 years in males and 18.4 years in females. More than half (51%) had their first coital debut between 15 and 19 years. This may predispose patients to a greater risk of contracting HIV. This finding was comparable to that of the study conducted by Maheswari SU et al. , where the mean age of coital debut was 21.1 years in males and 18.6 years in females. [ 20 ] The reason for the lower age of coital debut in females in our country is likely early marriage among females in India. Among the 300 patients, nearly half (49.7%) had ulcerative STIs, and this was more common in males (58%). Similarly, in a study by Devi S A et al. , a male predominance was observed. [ 10 ] Viral infections (78.4%) were almost 5 times more common than bacterial infections. Herpes genitalis (52.7%) was the most common viral infection, and syphilis (13%) was the most common bacterial infection. Similar results were reported in other Indian studies, such as those of Setia MS et al. [ 21 ], Mendiratta V et al. [ 22 ], and Narayanan Bet al. [ 23 ]. This increase in viral STIs may be due to increased self-medication or antibiotic use, which can treat some bacterial STIs, treatment of bacterial STIs at the primary care level, and an actual change in the pattern of STIs 7 . The roles of antibiotic resistance and changes in sexual behavior need to be explored. Our study reported an HIV seropositivity of approximately 8%. Other studies reported HIV seropositivity rates of approximately 10–35%. [ 10 , 15 , 24 – 28 ] Our study reported greater HIV seropositivity among female STI patients (8.9%) than among male patients (7.2%). In contrast, in a study by Devi S A et al. , more male patients than female patients were HIV positive. [ 10 ] Biologically, females are more vulnerable to HIV infection due to the large surface area of the genital tract exposed, and factors such as gender-based disparities in accessing healthcare, ignorance, and neglect add to high HIV seropositivity. In our study, a higher percentage of HIV-positive patients (17%) than other STI patients (4.2%) were found in the bridge population. Similarly, high HIV seropositivity among the bridge population (56.86%) was observed in a study conducted by DM Thappa in Pondicherry. [ 27 ] This demands focused prevention efforts, including improved access to condoms, HIV testing services, and antiretroviral therapy. A few strengths of the study are that it included a significant number of patients representing the sample of STI patients. The study detailed the essential sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical information of the STI patients. The study highlights high-risk groups such as MSM and bridge populations, informing targeted interventions. This study is not without limitations. The few limitations are the cross-sectional nature of the study, self-reported data on sexual history, and potential selection bias in approaching patients seeking healthcare in facilities. Conclusion and recommendations Our study highlights the significant burden of STIs among the adult population attending the Suraksha Clinic, which is predominant among males aged 18–35 years. The equal distribution of STI patients across urban‒rural areas highlights the pervasive nature of the problem. The high proportion of married patients suggests the need for comprehensive sexual health education and couple counseling programs within the community. The strong association between substance use and STI emphasizes the importance of integrated preventive strategies covering both issues. Nearly one in ten STI patients are HIV seropositive, with more females being HIV positive, underscoring the need for gender-specific prevention and care initiatives. There is an urgent need for strengthened STI prevention and control programs, including Suraksha clinics, and more targeted interventions for high-risk populations. Continuous training in syndromic management and the establishment of regular supportive supervision are necessary for both general practitioners and specialists. Government and program planners should consider the concerns expressed by patients regarding health service-related issues such as the availability of medicines, confidentiality issues, stigmatization, and harassment from staff. Individuals suffering from STI should be made aware that they must seek treatment promptly and refrain from sexual activity until they have been effectively treated. Declarations Competing interests : The authors declare no competing interests. Author contributions (CRediT statement) Conceptualization : SM, KS; Data curation : RR, SM, ShM; Data analysis : RR, SM; Methodology: SM, ShM, KS; Investigations: ShM; Supervision : KS, ShM; Writing-original draft : SM, RR; Writing-review & editing : all authors Acknowledgments The authors would like to acknowledge the Heads of the departments, the Department of Dermatology and Venerology & the Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, and the counsellor of the STI clinic, MB Government Hospital, for their contributions to data collection. Funding : None Data availability statement : The data are available upon request to the corresponding author via email. References World Health Organization. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). at WHO. Progress report on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections 2019: accountability for the global health sector strategies, 2016–2021. at World Health Organization. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). at Multidrug resistant gonorrhea. at Suvirya, S., Shukla, M., Pathania, S., Singhal, A. K. & Agarwal, J. Clinico-epidemiological profile and high-risk sexual behavior among clients attending sexually transmitted infection clinic at a tertiary care hospital in North India. Indian J. Sex. Transm. Dis. AIDS 39, 38–43 (2018). Final Compendium of fact sheets_India and 14 States_UTs (Phase-II).pdf. at Department of AIDS Control, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India. National Guidelines on Prevention, Management and Control of Reproductive Tract Infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections. at National AIDS Control Organization | MoHFW | GoI. at STI/RTI Services | National AIDS Control Organization | MoHFW | GoI. at Devi, S. A., Vetrichevvel, T. P., Pise, G. A. & Thappa, D. M. Pattern of sexually transmitted infections in a tertiary care center at Puducherry. Indian J. Dermatol. 54, 347–349 (2009). Singh, N. D. and M. Sample Size Calculator for Estimating a Proportion. at Sharma, R. Profile of attendee for voluntary counseling and testing in the ICTC, Ahmedabad. Indian J. Sex. Transm. Dis. AIDS 30, 31–36 (2009). Vora, R., Kota, R. S. & Rochit, S. Changing Trends in Sexually Transmitted Infections at a Rural-based Tertiary Health-care Center in Gujarat: An 8-Year Study. Indian J. Community Med. Off. Publ. Indian Assoc. Prev. Soc. Med. 42, 242–243 (2017). Thadeus, J., Selvan, B. S. & Anandan, H. Study of Pattern and Trends of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Government Thoothukudi Medical College. Int. J. Sci. Study 6, 8–11 (2018). Saikia, L., Nath, R., Deuori, T. & Mahanta, J. Sexually transmitted diseases in Assam: an experience in a tertiary care referral hospital. Indian J. Dermatol. Venereol. Leprol. 75, 329 (2009). Nyati, A. et al . A retrospective study of the pattern of sexually transmitted infections from a tertiary care hospital of Rajasthan. Indian J. Sex. Transm. Dis. AIDS 38, 147–151 (2017). Jhadav, Y. U. A Case Control Study of STD Patients attending STD clinic in Tartary Care Hospital, Latur, Maharashtra. Int. J. Recent Trends Sci. Technol. 10, 318–22 (2014). Pandey, A. et al . Alcohol Use and STI among Men in India: Evidence from a National Household Survey. Indian J. Community Med. 37, 95 (2012). Nair, T. G., Asha, L. K. & Leelakumari, P. V. An epidemiological study of sexually transmitted diseases. Indian J. Dermatol. Venereol. Leprol. 66, 69–72 (2000). Maheswari, S. U. & Kalaivani, S. Pattern of sexual behavior in adolescents and young adults attending STD clinic in a tertiary care center in South India. Indian J. Sex. Transm. Dis. AIDS 38, 171–175 (2017). Sethia, S. et al . A study to assess the degree of nomophobia among the undergraduate students of a medical college in Bhopal. Int. J. Community Med. Public Health 5, 2442 (2018). Mendiratta, V., Agarwal, S. & Chander, R. Reappraisal of sexually transmitted infections in children: A hospital-based study from an urban area. Indian J. Sex. Transm. Dis. AIDS 35, 25–28 (2014). Narayanan, B. A retrospective study of the pattern of sexually transmitted diseases during a ten-year period. Indian J. Dermatol. Venereol. Leprol. 71, 333–337 (2005). Mehta, B. A clinico-epidemiological study of ulcerative sexually transmitted diseases with human immunodeficiency virus status. Indian J. Sex. Transm. Dis. AIDS 35, 59–61 (2014). Banger, H. S., Sethi, A., Malhotra, S., Malhotra, S. K. & Kaur, T. Clinico-epidemiological profile of patients attending Suraksha Clinic of tertiary care hospital of North India. Indian J. Sex. Transm. Dis. AIDS 38, 54–59 (2017). Jayasree, P., Binitha, M. P., Najeeba, R. & Biju, G. Clinical and epidemiological profile of sexually transmitted infections in a tertiary care center in Kerala: A 1-year observational study. Indian J. Dermatol. Venereol. Leprol. 81, 500–503 (2015). Thappa, D. M., Manjunath, J. V. & Kartikeyan, K. Truck drivers at increased risk of HIV infection among STD clinic attendees. Indian J. Dermatol. Venereol. Leprol. 68, 312 (2002). Nayyar, C., Chander, R., Gupta, P. & Sherwal, B. L. Coinfection of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections in circumcised and uncircumcised cases in India. Indian J. Sex. Transm. Dis. AIDS 35, 114–117 (2014). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7230431","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":503307490,"identity":"43baaa1e-c110-4bfc-ac5c-708aa974614d","order_by":0,"name":"Shikha Mehta","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rabindranath Tagore Medical College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shikha","middleName":"","lastName":"Mehta","suffix":""},{"id":503307491,"identity":"9cc3d0bd-bbda-4adf-b5cc-a7a9b627eb55","order_by":1,"name":"Rajath Rao","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABAklEQVRIiWNgGAWjYHCCBAbGBhDNfABISDAwsAMpHkJaDoK1sCVAtDAT1sIA1cJjAOER0mLefuDh5487GPL523u+bvi5wyKPv5mB8cHbNtxaZM4kJEscPMNgOePM2W03e89IFEscZmA2nItHiwRDQoLEwTYGA4Ybudtu8LZJJDYcZmCT5sWnhf9B8g+QFvkbOc9u/gVqmX+Ygf03Xi0SCWlgWwxu5LDdBtmyAWgLM34tD9IszrZJGBieOWZ2W7ZNotjwMGOz5Jxz+ByWk3yjss3GQO5487Obb9vq8oCMgx/elOHWAoyCBHAowACQB0kMeAD7ARRuAgHlo2AUjIJRMAIBAGl2VIMfBzANAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Manipal Academy of Higher Education","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rajath","middleName":"","lastName":"Rao","suffix":""},{"id":503307492,"identity":"74fd77cc-8103-4e5f-a919-546cffdde31f","order_by":2,"name":"Sharad Mehta","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rabindranath Tagore Medical College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sharad","middleName":"","lastName":"Mehta","suffix":""},{"id":503307493,"identity":"f447c40e-9d5a-4fc5-9a51-34f413f0302c","order_by":3,"name":"Keerti Singh","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rabindranath Tagore Medical College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Keerti","middleName":"","lastName":"Singh","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-07-28 06:38:10","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7230431/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7230431/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-25015-2","type":"published","date":"2025-11-20T15:58:47+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":89659786,"identity":"72d68d37-ddf4-48fd-bfaa-f05b4abc28aa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-22 10:57:24","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":37011,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReasons for not using the condom among STI patients [n=275 (Never users=215, Occupationalusers=60)]\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7230431/v1/2c4039ecf1b48c27964367f1.png"},{"id":89659787,"identity":"905b7d1c-f21c-4e94-9c86-1bbdd4e161aa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-22 10:57:24","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":25789,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGender distribution of HIV seropositivity among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic (N=300)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7230431/v1/1e1d2c11c60a70a3ccd38ac4.png"},{"id":96651114,"identity":"a4fbac00-8a2e-4552-a23d-b2c36a653c34","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-24 16:13:52","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1545065,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7230431/v1/d7b831d7-69ea-40af-aa8c-060e5ac99c76.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"HIV seropositivity, patterns, and clinico-epidemiological profile of sexually transmitted infection patients attending the Suraksha Clinic of a tertiary care public hospital in southern Rajasthan, India—A cross-sectional study","fulltext":[{"header":"What is already known about this topic","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSexually transmitted infections are a significant public health issue, and HIV is a major health concern globally. In 2023, approximately 1.2\u0026nbsp;million adults aged \u0026gt; 15 years acquired HIV infection.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eIlliteracy, promiscuity, and stigma associated with STI and HIV care were factors associated with the increasing burden of STI, including HIV\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat does this study add?\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study from the largest state of India highlights the increasing burden of STIs and more patients acquiring HIV seropositivity with various demographic and behavioral factors, including high-risk behaviors such as early age of initiation of first sexual activity and multiple sexual partners, which are significant risk factors for STIs and HIV.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study highlights the nature and pattern of STIs among patients seeking health care in a district public hospital. Identifying the most common sex-specific STIs, overall HIV seropositivity among these STI patients, and how the bridge population has a relatively high risk of HIV infection could play crucial roles in focused HIV prevention efforts.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study highlights the need for enhanced STI care and HIV prevention, improved STI and STI care and the need to strengthen existing surveillance systems to monitor trends in STI and HIV incidence in this part of India and can inform evidence-based interventions to address these existing public health challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem worldwide, including in India. Every day, more than 1\u0026nbsp;million STIs occur, which are mostly asymptomatic. Multiple pathogens are involved in the causation of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are caused mainly by bacteria and viruses.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e] STIs are disproportionately prevalent in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries, with 75\u0026ndash;85% of new cases occurring in these places.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e] The common STIs are syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus. One in every four new cases is due to chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or trichomoniasis. The symptoms of these infections range from discharge from the urethra, discharge from the vagina, burning micturition, lower abdominal pain, genital ulcers, etc. The mode of transmission is mainly sexual contact (anal, oral, or vaginal), which can also be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, or lactation.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e] Untreated STIs can result in many complications, such as pelvic inflammatory diseases, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Mother-to-child transmission of STIs can result in stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight and prematurity, sepsis, neonatal conjunctivitis, and congenital deformities.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e] Rapidly increasing antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to untreatable gonorrhea. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e] In addition to complications from such infections, other concerns, such as psychosocial burdens, prevail among affected individuals. The main concern is that STI promotes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission by increasing HIV infection and susceptibility. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] In India, the disease prevalence is estimated to be 6%. According to the NFHS-5 (2019-21), 12% of women aged 15\u0026ndash;49 years who have ever had sex and 9% of men aged 15\u0026ndash;49 years who have ever had sex reported having an STI and/or symptoms of an STI in the past 12 months. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e] The estimates also indicate that approximately 40% of women have RTIs/STIs at any given point in time, but only 1% complete the full treatment of both partners. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn India, through its network of 1160 designated STI/RTI clinics, which are usually situated at government health care facilities at the district level, medical colleges and above provide free standardized STI/RTI services. These clinics have been branded as \u0026lsquo;Suraksha Clinics\u0026rsquo; and provide sexual and reproductive health services. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e] Treating STIs reduces the prevalence and breaks the chain of transmission in the community and is therefore the most effective form of prevention in the absence of a vaccine. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] A systematic, regional, periodic synopsis of the prevalence of STDs among Suraksha clinic attendees would not only help to study the changing trends of STDs but also assess the effectiveness of control programmes. Early diagnosis and STI case management are cornerstones of STI control, as they reduce the prevalence and break the chain of transmission in the community. In this context, this study aimed to determine the pattern, clinical-epidemiological profile and HIV seropositivity among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic of a government medical college and hospital in southern Rajasthan.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy design and duration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eA facility-based cross-sectional study was performed for a duration of one year (January to December 2019).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy setting\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study was carried out in the Department of Dermatology and Venerology in association with the Department of Community Medicine of a district government medical institution and hospital in southern Rajasthan. This hospital is a tertiary health care facility catering to the population of this city and the neighboring southern districts of Rajasthan with a 1000-bed capacity. The Department of Dermatology and Venerology, established in 1960, has been providing tertiary dermatology care and venerology care in its Suraksha Clinic. The Suraksha Clinic screens and treats approximately 25\u0026ndash;30 suspects and cases of STI every day.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy population\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study was carried out among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic. All patients with STIs attending the Suraksha Clinic, including adolescents, were included in the study. STI patients who were unable to comprehend the interview, those with self-reported psychiatric ailments or any serious illness or comorbidities, and those who did not provide informed written consent to participate in the study were excluded from the study.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSample size and sampling technique\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConsidering that the HIV seropositivity among STI patients is approximately 34.5% [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], we needed a minimum sample size of 290 at 95% CI, 80% power, and finite population adjustment of 1800 STI cases attending the Suraksha Clinic for the previous year. The final sample size was rounded to 300 STI cases to determine the outcome. The sample size was calculated via Statulator, an online software for sample size calculation. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e We adopted a consecutive sampling technique, a nonprobability sampling method, to select patients who were coming to the Suraksha Clinic after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStudy tools and techniques\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA pretested, structured study tool was used for the data collection. The study tool was initially written in English and then translated to the local language (Hindi) and back-translated to English with the help of medical social workers of the Department of Community Medicine. The study tool consisted of various sections. Section A consisted of sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, education, occupation, religion, monthly family income, socioeconomic class, type of family, marital status, and substance use. Section B consisted of items related to sexual history, such as chief complaints, onset and duration of disease, history of sexual exposure, last sexual activity, age of first sexual contact, type of sexual behavior, and nature of the contraceptives used. In section C, the pattern of STI, such as the number of lesions, type of lesion, and type of discharge, is described. Section D contains investigations such as Gram staining findings, KOH tests, Tzank smears, WHIFF tests, wet mounts, VDRL tests, HIV tests, urine examinations, blood sugar level tests, and final diagnoses on the basis of all these findings. The study tool was administered in the local language through face‒to-face interviews by the investigators in the presence of a dermatologist and an STI counsellor. Privacy and confidentiality were maintained throughout the study. The collected data were entered into MS Excel. All the laboratory investigations were performed as per the standard protocol and as a part of the SOP to be performed at the Suraksha Clinic as issued by the NACO.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStatistical analysis plan\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data analysis was performed via IBM SPSS V.20.0. A descriptive analysis was carried out to determine the clinical‒epidemiological profile and pattern of STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic. Sociodemographic variables such as education, occupation, marital status, and residence; epidemiological variables such as a history of sexual exposure/contact, the use of barrier methods of contraception, the reasons for using and not using condoms, the type of high-risk group, the bridge population, substance use, circumcision, the age of the first sexual act, sexuality, and the number of sexual partners; and clinical findings such as the number of genital lesions, the nature of the lesion, infective agents, and the diagnosis were expressed as frequencies and percentages. The proportion of HIV seropositive individuals is expressed as percentages with 95% CIs. To determine the associations between various sociodemographics and epidemiological variables and HIV seropositivity, a chi-square test of associations was used. All statistical significance was attributed to a p value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEthical considerations\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The study was approved by the institutional ethics committees of RNT Medical College and MB Government Hospital, Udaipur (Ref: RNT/Stat/IEC/2019/405). Written informed consent was obtained from all the patients. The patient information was kept confidential, and all identifiers and enablers were removed. The study followed the Declaration of Helsinki.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSociodemographic details of the STI patients\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong the 300 STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic, most (206, 68.7%) were 18\u0026ndash;35 years of age, approximately three-fourths (222, 74%) were males, and half (153, 51%) were from urban areas. Nearly 207 (69%) were married, and the maximum (288, 96%) belonged to the Hindu religion. Only 31 (10.3%) were illiterate, 120 (40%) were clerical/shop owners/farmers by occupation, and more than half (166, 55.4%) were in the socioeconomic class of class 4 or above. Approximately 11 (3.6%) were homosexual, and 63 (28.4%) belonged to a bridge population. Approximately 80 (26.7%) used either form of tobacco. (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSociodemographic details of the patients attending the Suraksha Clinic (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003en (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge (in years)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39 (13)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e206 (68.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u0026ndash;55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52 (17.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemales\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78 (26)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMales\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e222 (74)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eResidence\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e153 (51)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e147 (49)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarital status\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e207(69)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnmarried\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80(26.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4(1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWidow\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7(2.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeparated\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eReligion\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHindu\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e288 (96)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eJain\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOthers*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEducation status\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31(10.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e87(29.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55(18.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSenior Secondary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15(5.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGraduate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70(23.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePostgraduate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39(13.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eProfessional\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3(1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSemi-Professional/Professional\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eClerical, Shop-owner, Farmer\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e120.0 (40)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSkilled/Semiskilled Worker\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68 (22.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnskilled Worker\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e53 (17.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56 (18.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSocioeconomic status**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eClass 1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (6.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eClass 2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39 (13.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eClass 3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75 (25.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eClass 4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e119 (39.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eClass 5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47 (15.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh-risk groups\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMSM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11 (3.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIV drug users\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePartners OF CSW\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16 (5.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBridge Population***\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMales (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;222)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63 (28.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale partners of female patients (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;78)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (24.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSubstance use\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e174(58)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlcohol\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64(21.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTobacco (Smoke form)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36(12.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTobacco (Smokeless)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44(14.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIV Drug\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(0.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eComorbidity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiabetes Mellitus\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18 (6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHypertension\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8 (2.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThyroid disorder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (0.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOthers (CVS, Migraine)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7 (2.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e265 (88.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"3\"\u003e*others included Christians, Sikhs; **by Modified BG Prasad classification; ***includes truck drivers and migrant workers; MSM-Males having sex with males; CSW- Commercial sex workers\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEpidemiological details of the STI patients\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong the 222 males, only 7 (3.2%) were circumcised. Nearly half of the participants (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;139, 46.3%) used either type of contraceptive. Only 85 (28.3%) used condoms, and 25 (8.3%) used condoms regularly. Nearly 33% of patients felt that condoms interfered with their sexual pleasure and did not use it. Nearly half of them (153 (51%) had their first sexual contact at approximately 15\u0026ndash;19 years of age), and a maximum of 288 (96%) engaged in penovaginal intercourse. More than half of the participants (158, 52.7%) had more than one sexual partner, and 167 (55.6%) had regular sexual partners. Only 55 (18.4%) had used condoms in their last coital activity. (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEpidemiological details of the patients attending the Suraksha Clinic (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003en (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCircumcision\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale patients (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;222)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7 (3.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale partners of female patients (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;78)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAny contraceptive usage\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e139 (46.3)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTypes of contraceptives (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;139)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85(28.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSterilization\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23(7.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOral pills\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11(3.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCopper T\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10(3.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInjectables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(0.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRhythm Method (Natural)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8(2.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency of condom usage\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNever\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e215 (71.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOccasional\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60 (20)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegular\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25 (8.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge of first sexual contact\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u0026ndash;14 Years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12(4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15-19Years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e153(51)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20-24Years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e111(37)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25-29Years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21(7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;30 Years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3(1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of sexuality\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHeterosexual\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e289 (96.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHomosexual\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7 (2.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBisexual\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of sexual behavior\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOral\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVaginal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e288(96)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8(2.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMixed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4(1.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNumber of partners\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSingle Partner\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e142(47.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMultiple Partner\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e158(52.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of partner\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOccasional\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61(20.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegular\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e167(55.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72(24)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistory of condom usage in last coitus\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eused\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55 (18.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClinical profile of the STI patients\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong 300 STI patients, 261 (87%) had a single lesion in the genital tract. Nearly half of the patients (149 (49.7%)) had ulcerative lesions. The majority, 235 (78.4%), had a viral agent as the causative organism. The overall most common STI was herpes genitalis (158, 52.7%), followed by vaginal discharge (46, 15.3%) and syphilis (13.3%). Among males, herpes genitalis was most common (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;126, 56.8%), and among females, vaginal discharge was most common (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;46, 58.9%). More than half of the patients (159, 53%) had vesicular lesions, followed by papules (72, 24%). The overall most common presenting symptom was genital ulcers (62%), followed by burning urination (34.7%) and itching in the genital area (25.3%). Among males, the most common symptom was genital ulcers (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;148, 66.7%), followed by burning urination (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;70, 31.5%). Among females, the most common symptom was itching in the genitals (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;49, 62.8%), followed by discharge (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;46, 58.9%). Nearly one-third (109, 36.4%) had symptoms between 10 and 30 days in duration. \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGender distribution of the clinical profile of STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003en (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;222 (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;78 (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNumber of lesions in the genitals*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e261(87)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e207(93.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54(69.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMultiple\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39(13)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15(6.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24(30.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNature of lesion*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUlcerative\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e149(49.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e129(58.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20(25.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNon-Ulcerative\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e125(41.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82(36.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43(55.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMixed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26(8.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11(4.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15(19.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of agent\u003c/b\u003e \u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eViral*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e235 (78.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e183 (82.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52 (17.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBacterial\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52 (17.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32 (14.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18 (23)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFungal*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57 (19)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21 (9.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36 (46.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePattern of STI\u003c/b\u003e \u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHerpes Genitalis*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e158(52.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e126(56.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32(41.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSyphilis\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40(13.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32(14.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8(10.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVaginal Discharge\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46(15.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46(58.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrethral Discharge\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(0.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(0.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMolluscum*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43(14.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26(11.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17(21.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWart*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34(11.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31(14.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3(3.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHIV\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23(7.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16(7.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7(9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBalanoposthitis\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21(7.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21(9.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of lesion\u003c/b\u003e \u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePapule\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72(24.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51(23)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21(26.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVesicle*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e159(53.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e126(56.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33(42.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePustule\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3(1.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(0.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1(1.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUlcer\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29(9.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22(9.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7(9.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWarts*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34(11.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31(14)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3(3.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDischarge*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48(16.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(0.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46(58.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSymptoms\u003c/b\u003e \u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenital Discharge*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48(16)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(0.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46(58.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eItching in genitals*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76(25.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27(12.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49(62.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBurning micturition\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e104(34.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70(31.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34(43.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenital ulcer*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e186(62)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e148(66.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38(48.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInguinal/scrotal swelling*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21(7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20(9.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1(1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbnormal bleeding\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20(6.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0(0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20(25.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePainful coitus*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35(11.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15(6.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20(25.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWart in genitals*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34(11.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31(14)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3(3.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLower abdominal pain\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(2.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0(0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2(2.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDuration of symptoms\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;10days\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e132(44)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e101(45.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31(39.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u0026ndash;30 days\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e109(36.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84(37.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25(32.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;30days\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59(19.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37(16.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22(28.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ea-Multiple response items; *statistically significant (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) by chi-square test of association/Fischer exact test\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompared with males, males presented with more single genital lesions (males: 93.2% vs females: 69.2%), ulcerative lesions (males: 58.1% vs females: 25.6%), viral causative agents (males: 82.4% vs females: 17.4%), vesicular lesions (males: 56.8% vs females: 42.3%), and warts (males: 14% vs females: 3.8%), and these differences were statistically significant. Similarly, females presented with more lesions of fungal origin (females: 46.1% vs males: 9.4%), molluscum contagiosum (females: 21.7% vs males: 11.7%), discharge from the lesion (females: 58.9% vs males: 0.9%), itching in the genitals as a main complaint (females: 62.8% vs males: 12.1%), and painful coitus (females: 25.6% vs males: 6.7%) than their counterparts did, and these differences were statistically significant. \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHIV seropositivity among STI patients\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong the 300 STI patients, \u003cb\u003e7.7%\u003c/b\u003e (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;23, \u003cb\u003e95% CI: 5.2\u0026ndash;11.2%\u003c/b\u003e) were HIV seropositive, and 13 (\u003cb\u003e4.4%, 95% CI: 2.5\u0026ndash;7.2%)\u003c/b\u003e were newly diagnosed with HIV. There were no statistically significant differences in HIV seropositivity between males (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;16, 7.2%) and females (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7, 8.9%) (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.6). Additionally, we observed that the distribution of HIV-positive patients was greater among the bridge population (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;14, 17%) than among other STI patients. (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;9, 4.2%), and this difference in proportion was statistically significant. (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAssociation of HIV seropositivity among various types of STI patients (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHIV Status\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBridge population (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;82), %\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther STI patients (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;218), %\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;300), %\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHIV positive\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14(17.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9(4.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23(7.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHIV negative\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68(82.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e209(95.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e277(92.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChi-square value (df), p value\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;14.1 (1), \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present cross-sectional study in Udaipur, Rajasthan, aimed to study the sociodemographic profile, the pattern of STI, and HIV seropositivity among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur study reported 222 (74%) males with a male‒female ratio of 2.84:1. Similar studies conducted by Suvirya et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e], \u003cb\u003eDevi et al.\u003c/b\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], and \u003cb\u003eSharma R et al.\u003c/b\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e] reported a greater number of STIs in males than in females, which supports the findings of our current study. In a study by \u003cb\u003eVora R et al.\u003c/b\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e], females outnumbered males (1:0.2), as many patients were referred from the gynecology department. The most likely cause of the low proportion of STIs in females in comparison with males may be the low reporting of females to the STI clinic, the asymptomatic nature of STDs in females, a lack of knowledge, and gender inequality.\u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e The majority of male and female patients were adults (≥ 18 years of age). The most common age group affected was 18–35 years (71%). The same result was observed in various previous Indian studies. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e] These findings indicate that 18–35-year-olds were comparatively more active and therefore more susceptible to STIs than their counterparts were. Additionally, this group is the most productive age group. Education and occupation lead to migration, and curiosity increases the risk of STIs. Our study reported equal representation from urban‒rural areas. In contrast, a study conducted by \u003cb\u003eNyati A. et al\u003c/b\u003e. in a tertiary care center in Rajasthan reported that two-thirds of the population resided in urban areas. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e] The low attendance of the rural population at STI clinics signifies a lack of awareness and knowledge about STIs and a disparity in access to healthcare services. In our study, the majority of patients were married (69%), which is supported by other Indian studies. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] Factors such as infidelity and a lack of condom use among married people add burdens to STIs. The maximum number of patients (95% males, 98.7% females) belonged to the Hindu community. Similarly, in the study by \u003cb\u003eSuvirya S et al.\u003c/b\u003e, \u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003ethe\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e majority belonged to the Hindu community. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] Since Muslim males have their circumcision done at an early age, there are low chances of STI among this community\u003csup\u003e17\u003c/sup\u003e. In our study, approximately 10% of the STI patients belonged to the high-risk group, and nearly one-fourth (27.4%) belonged to the bridge population (drivers and migrant laborers). The truck drivers and the migrant laborers stay away from home for long periods, and because of this, they meet multiple partners and commercial sex workers. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions for these groups of people.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our study, nearly half (48.6%) of the patients had a history of substance use. The majority were alcoholics (21.3%). A greater proportion of alcoholics with STIs was reported in other Indian studies. [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR18\" citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e–\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e] Under the influence of alcohol, there is a loss of control over sexual behaviors and an increase in the desire for sexual intercourse. The mean age of sexual debut was 19.7 years in males and 18.4 years in females. More than half (51%) had their first coital debut between 15 and 19 years. This may predispose patients to a greater risk of contracting HIV. This finding was comparable to that of the study conducted by \u003cb\u003eMaheswari SU et al.\u003c/b\u003e, where the mean age of coital debut was 21.1 years in males and 18.6 years in females. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] The reason for the lower age of coital debut in females in our country is likely early marriage among females in India.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong the 300 patients, nearly half (49.7%) had ulcerative STIs, and this was more common in males (58%). Similarly, in a study by \u003cb\u003eDevi S A et al.\u003c/b\u003e, a male predominance was observed. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e] Viral infections (78.4%) were almost 5 times more common than bacterial infections. Herpes genitalis (52.7%) was the most common viral infection, and syphilis (13%) was the most common bacterial infection. Similar results were reported in other Indian studies, such as those of \u003cb\u003eSetia MS et al.\u003c/b\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], \u003cb\u003eMendiratta V et al.\u003c/b\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], and \u003cb\u003eNarayanan Bet al.\u003c/b\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. This increase in viral STIs may be due to increased self-medication or antibiotic use, which can treat some bacterial STIs, treatment of bacterial STIs at the primary care level, and an actual change in the pattern of STIs\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e7\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The roles of antibiotic resistance and changes in sexual behavior need to be explored.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur study reported an HIV seropositivity of approximately 8%. Other studies reported HIV seropositivity rates of approximately 10–35%. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR25 CR26 CR27\" citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e–\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] Our study reported greater HIV seropositivity among female STI patients (8.9%) than among male patients (7.2%). In contrast, in a study by \u003cb\u003eDevi S A et al.\u003c/b\u003e, more male patients than female patients were HIV positive. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e] Biologically, females are more vulnerable to HIV infection due to the large surface area of the genital tract exposed, and factors such as gender-based disparities in accessing healthcare, ignorance, and neglect add to high HIV seropositivity. In our study, a higher percentage of HIV-positive patients (17%) than other STI patients (4.2%) were found in the bridge population. Similarly, high HIV seropositivity among the bridge population (56.86%) was observed in a study conducted by \u003cb\u003eDM Thappa\u003c/b\u003e in Pondicherry. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] This demands focused prevention efforts, including improved access to condoms, HIV testing services, and antiretroviral therapy.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA few strengths of the study are that it included a significant number of patients representing the sample of STI patients. The study detailed the essential sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical information of the STI patients. The study highlights high-risk groups such as MSM and bridge populations, informing targeted interventions. This study is not without limitations. The few limitations are the cross-sectional nature of the study, self-reported data on sexual history, and potential selection bias in approaching patients seeking healthcare in facilities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion and recommendations","content":"\u003cp\u003eOur study highlights the significant burden of STIs among the adult population attending the Suraksha Clinic, which is predominant among males aged 18–35 years. The equal distribution of STI patients across urban‒rural areas highlights the pervasive nature of the problem. The high proportion of married patients suggests the need for comprehensive sexual health education and couple counseling programs within the community. The strong association between substance use and STI emphasizes the importance of integrated preventive strategies covering both issues. Nearly one in ten STI patients are HIV seropositive, with more females being HIV positive, underscoring the need for gender-specific prevention and care initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is an urgent need for strengthened STI prevention and control programs, including Suraksha clinics, and more targeted interventions for high-risk populations. Continuous training in syndromic management and the establishment of regular supportive supervision are necessary for both general practitioners and specialists. Government and program planners should consider the concerns expressed by patients regarding health service-related issues such as the availability of medicines, confidentiality issues, stigmatization, and harassment from staff. Individuals suffering from STI should be made aware that they must seek treatment promptly and refrain from sexual activity until they have been effectively treated.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e: The authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;(CRediT statement)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConceptualization\u003c/strong\u003e: SM, KS; \u003cstrong\u003eData curation\u003c/strong\u003e: RR, SM, ShM; \u003cstrong\u003eData analysis\u003c/strong\u003e: RR, SM; \u003cstrong\u003eMethodology:\u003c/strong\u003e SM, ShM, KS; \u003cstrong\u003eInvestigations:\u003c/strong\u003e ShM; \u003cstrong\u003eSupervision\u003c/strong\u003e: KS, ShM; \u003cstrong\u003eWriting-original draft\u003c/strong\u003e: SM, RR; \u003cstrong\u003eWriting-review \u0026amp; editing\u003c/strong\u003e: all authors\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to acknowledge the Heads of the departments, the Department of Dermatology and Venerology \u0026amp; the Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, and the counsellor of the STI clinic, MB Government Hospital, for their contributions to data collection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e: None\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability statement\u003c/strong\u003e: The data are available upon request to the corresponding author via email.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization. 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AIDS\u003c/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e35,\u003c/strong\u003e 114\u0026ndash;117 (2014).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Sexually transmitted infections, HIV, Suraksha Clinic, Sexual and reproductive health, National AIDS Control Organization","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7230431/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7230431/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe current study aimed to determine the clinical-epidemiological profile, patterns, and HIV seropositivity among STI patients attending the Suraksha Clinic by the National AIDS Control Organization in southern Rajasthan, India.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethodology\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis cross-sectional study was performed among 300 STI patients via a questionnaire. The proportions of STI patients with various clinical-epidemiological backgrounds are expressed as frequencies and percentages. The associations between the sex distributions of the clinical parameters of STI patients were assessed via the chi-square test.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong the 300 STI patients, only 85 (28.3%) used condoms. Nearly half of them (51%) had their first sexual contact at approximately 15\u0026ndash;19 years of age, and more than half (52.7%) had more than one sexual partner. The most common STIs were herpes genitalis (56.8%) in males and vaginal discharge (58.9%) in females. Overall, HIV seropositivity was observed in \u003cb\u003e7.7%\u003c/b\u003e (\u003cb\u003e95% CI: 5.2\u0026ndash;11.2%\u003c/b\u003e) of patients. HIV seropositivity was more common among the bridge population (17.2%) than among the other populations (4.2%).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnly one out of four STI patients used condoms. One out of two had more than one sexual partner. Almost one in ten STI patients were HIV seropositive. The bridge population was more likely to be HIV seropositive than the other populations were.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"HIV seropositivity, patterns, and clinico-epidemiological profile of sexually transmitted infection patients attending the Suraksha Clinic of a tertiary care public hospital in southern Rajasthan, India—A cross-sectional study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-22 10:57:20","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7230431/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-09-26T14:35:20+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-26T08:10:21+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"215814124528930206807702986753063974668","date":"2025-09-22T16:45:50+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"235574050867761015590757030120356072643","date":"2025-09-22T14:34:58+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"154713737804426105807515070937476349090","date":"2025-08-23T09:48:29+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-08-20T12:45:52+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"154769258062635264950404000967694916014","date":"2025-08-20T10:02:22+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"69090352626879640270780079705309380120","date":"2025-08-19T15:46:12+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-08-14T10:56:29+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-08-13T07:59:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-07-29T06:09:48+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-07-28T11:05:04+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2025-07-28T06:22:55+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"188e5a55-7736-4c2b-9f19-50e71a1101b3","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 22nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[{"id":53470048,"name":"Health sciences/Diseases"},{"id":53470049,"name":"Health sciences/Health care"},{"id":53470050,"name":"Health sciences/Medical research"},{"id":53470051,"name":"Biological sciences/Microbiology"},{"id":53470052,"name":"Health sciences/Risk factors"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-24T16:11:38+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-7230431","link":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-25015-2","journal":{"identity":"scientific-reports","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Scientific Reports"},"publishedOn":"2025-11-20 15:58:47","publishedOnDateReadable":"November 20th, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-22 10:57:20","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1038/s41598-025-25015-2","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-25015-2","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7230431","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7230431","identity":"rs-7230431","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}