Risk factors and prevalence of symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in Rural Mayan Villages in Guatemala

Health Care Women Int. 2020 Oct;41(10):1166-1181. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1791119. Epub 2020 Jul 23.

Abstract

In this study, we identify and describe the risk factors and symptoms that are suggestive of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in rural Mayan villages of Guatemala. We used the World Health Organization's syndromic guidelines for diagnosis and management of STIs to design questionnaires and to identify STI symptoms among indigenous Mayans who presented to mobile clinics in villages served by Guatemala Village Health (GVH). Symptoms that include abdominal pain or pain on urination, genital discharge, itching and sores were highest among younger participants. Lack of male participation in sexual health matters constitutes an important determinant of risk of exposure.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Guatemala / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Health*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult