Sexually Transmitted Infections in 2000–2018 in a Specialised Centre: Comparison between Pre-Crisis, Crisis, and Post-Crisis Period

Abstract

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a major public health problem due to their consequences in sexual and reproductive health. There is a close link between the crisis and the increase in communicable diseases. The objective of this study was to analyse the evolution of Sexually Transmitted Infections during the period 2000–2018 in the population attending the Centre for Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexual Orientation in Granada (Spain), specifically comparing the pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis periods. (2) Methods: A retrospective, observational, and analytical study was conducted by reviewing medical records. The sample analysed comprised 1666 cases. (3) Results: During the pre-crisis period (2000–2007), the percentage of diagnoses was 41.6% (n = 126) compared to 58.4% (n = 177) of negative results; during the crisis, the percentages were 63.5% (n = 183) and 36.5% (n = 105), respectively; and during the post-crisis period, the percentages were 42.9% (n = 157) and 57.1% (n = 209), respectively. The variables that were significantly associated with STI diagnosis were the time periods analysed, sexual orientation, occupation, and age at first intercourse. The evolution of the number of positive diagnoses during the entire study period showed a trend of progressive increase in Sexually Transmitted Infections from 2000 to 2018. (4) Conclusions: The period of economic crisis presented a higher risk of infection, although this is a finding with certain limitations due to the lack of homogeneity between the periods analysed