Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases: relapse behaviour of visitors to the venereal diseases clinics in Amsterdam

Abstract

The problem being dealt with in this survey is recurrence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Why do people who visit the venereal diseases (VD) clinics in Amsterdam, repeatedly become infected by STDs? The objectives of the main study were determined by information gathered from personal interviews with healthcare workers and visitors to the VD clinics in Amsterdam. The major objective of the survey was to measure the extent of condom-use and motivation for condom-use. It was assumed that condom-use decreased the chance of STD transmission and therefore reduces the extent of recidivism. At random a group of 205 VD clinic visitors was selected to anonymously complete a questionnaire. Of the respondents 40% were considered to be recidivist. Of the respondents who experienced vaginal and/or anal intercourse, the majority indicated they never used a condom. Disturbance of arousal and sensitivity, nuisance factor, not always having condoms at hand, using other contraceptives, and an objecting partner were most often mentioned as major reasons for not using condoms. Condoms were used during penis—vagina contact significantly more often by respondents with many partners, prostitutes, respondents who had a lower level of education, respondents who were not Dutch, and respondents who were more often previously examined for STDs. The use of condoms did not significantly differ for recidivists versus non-recidivists. Respondents with many different partners and prostitutes were significantly more often recidivists. The extent of patient-delay was significantly larger for respondents with a high level of education.