To examine sexual practices and STI positivity among people who inject drugs (PWID) over a decade, with a focus on differences between men who have sex with women only (MSWO), gay or bisexual men who have sex with men (gbMSM), and women.
Key Findings:
Significant rise in syphilis positivity from 0.6% in 2012/2013 to 10.0% in 2020/2021 (Ptrend = .0033).
gbMSM had higher overall infection positivity (29.1%) compared to MSWO (19.8%) and women (17.0%; P < .001).
Positivity rates for new HIV (2.6%), infectious syphilis (6.8%), gonorrhea (8.6%), chlamydia (8.7%), HBV (0.6%), and HCV (10.0%) were reported.
Interpretation:
PWID are highly susceptible to STIs and blood-borne infections, with gbMSM showing particularly high rates of infection, indicating a need for targeted interventions.
Limitations:
Study limited to clients attending a single sexual health clinic, which may not represent all PWID.
Exclusion of transgender individuals and those who declined to provide partner information may limit generalizability and impact findings.
Conclusion:
Future prevention programs must enhance HCV testing rates and address sexual risk practices, such as promoting condom use and safe injecting practices, to reduce disease burden among PWID.
