Correlates of Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections among Older Persons in Rural Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Peter Kisaakye, Makerere University
Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, Makerere University
Ronald Naitala, Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Foundation
Betty Kwagala, Makerere University

There is limited research on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among older persons in Uganda. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlates of STIs among older persons in rural Uganda. A cross-sectional survey of 649 older men and women age 50 years and older, from central (Masaka district) and western (Hoima district) Uganda was conducted. Frequency distributions, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the association between self-reported STIs and selected explanatory variables. Nearly 14% of older persons reported STIs in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Self-reported STIs was associated with age and recent HIV testing among older persons in rural Uganda. Interventions to screen for STIs among older persons should target those who do not visit health facilities for HIV tests.