Trends and correlates of sexually transmitted infections among sexually active Ugandan female youths: evidence from three demographic and health surveys, 2006–2016

Female adolescents and young women have the highest risk of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. Data on the prevalence of STIs among young women in Uganda are limited. In this study, we investigated the time trends and correlates of STIs among adolescent girls and young women (15–24 years) in Uganda.

We estimated the percentage of women 15–24 years from three recent consecutive Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (2006, 2011, and 2016), who reported suffering from genital sores, and or genital discharge or any other varginal complaints acquired after sexual intercourse within 12 months of the studies and examined the changes over time. A pooled multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of reporting an STI in the last 12 months preceding the study. Svyset command in Stata was used to cater for the survey sample design.

The pooled self-reported STI prevalence was 26.0%. Among these young women, 22.0, 36.3, and 23.1% reported a sexually transmitted infection in 2006, 2011, and 2016 respectively. Between 2006 and 2011, there was evidence of change (+ 14.3%, p < 0.001) in STI prevalence before a significant reduction (− 12.0%, p< 0.001) in 2016. Youths aged 20–24 years reported a higher STI prevalence (27.3%) compared to young participants (23.6%). Correlates of reporting an STI among rural and urban young women were: having multiple total lifetime partners (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.6), being sexually active in the last 4 weeks (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6), and being affiliated to Muslim faith (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6) or other religions (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.9) as compared to Christian were more likely to report an STI. Living in Northern Uganda compared to living in Kampala city was found protective against STIs (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.7).

The prevalence of STIs was high among female youths, 15–24 years. This highlights the need for a comprehensive STIs screening, surveillance, and treatment programme to potentially reduce the burden of STIs in the country.