Some rapid test results for detecting sexually transmitted infections among inmates serving sentences for drug-related offenses
- VernacularTitle:Мансууруулах бодистой холбоотой асуудлын улмаас ял эдэлж буй хоригдогсдын дундах БЗДХ-ыг илрүүлэх түргэвчилсэн шинжилгээний зарим үр дүн
- Author:
Minjmaa E
1
;
Bilguun N
1
;
Oyunsuren D
1
;
Tergel Kh
1
;
Davaalkham J
2
;
Khishigsuren Z
1
Author Information
1. Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences
2. HIV/STI Surveillance and Research Division, National Center for Communicable Diseases
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
prisoner;
people who use drugs;
syphilis;
sexually transmitted infection;
rapid test
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2026;94(4):49-53
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Drug use is closely associated with sexually transmitted infections, especially syphilis and HIV, through unsafe sexual practices, multiple partners, and high-risk patterns of substance use. Prisoners with a history of drug use represent a particularly vulnerable subgroup.
Aim:This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rapid syphilis test positivity and selected associated factors among incarcerated people who use drugs.
Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 105 prisoners. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a finger-prick rapid dual test. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher exact tests were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:The mean age of participants was 29.1±8.4 years; 78.1% were male. A history of STI was reported by 16.2%, STI-related symptoms during the last 12 months by 19.0%, STI testing during the last 12 months by 39.0%, and STI testing while incarcerated by 45.7%. However, 79.0% had received STI-related education or information. Among 81 participants with valid rapid syphilis test results, 27 were positive, giving a prevalence of 33.3%. Syphilis positivity was significantly higher among those using more than one route of drug administration (41.4% vs 13.0%, p=0.018) and among those with a prior STI history (70.0% vs 26.6%, p=0.011). No significant associations were found with sex, age, education, marital status, cohabitation, income, syringe use, recent STI symptoms, casual sex before arrest, or overall sexual risk behavior.
Conclusion:These findings suggest that targeted syphilis screening, counseling, and linkage to confirmatory testing and treatment should be strengthened among incarcerated people who use drugs, particularly those with multi-route drug use and a previous STI history.
- Full text:202610012217159331709_49-53_Мансууруулах бодистой холбоотой асуудлын улмаас ял эдэлж буй хоригдогсдын дундах БЗДХ-ыг илрүүлэх.pdf
