Older and swinging; need to identify hidden and emerging risk groups at sti clinics
Résumé
Objective Identification of STI risk groups is essential for optimal prevention and medical care. Until now, swingers, i.e. heterosexual couples who are practicing mate swapping, group sex, visit sex clubs for couples, are not considered as a specific risk group for STI in health care services and prevention. Here, we compare STI prevalence rates in swingers to other risk groups. Methods At the STI clinic, South Limburg, The Netherlands, we systematically register since 2007 whether an attendee is a swinger. STI clinic surveillance data are analyzed to assess swingers' share in consultations and STI diagnoses; here Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria Gonorrhoea (NG). Results Of all 8971 consultations, 12% were comprised by swingers (median age 43 years, interquartile range 38-48). Overall, STI prevalence is highest in youth, MSM and swingers. Older swingers show a CT prevalence of 10% and a NG prevalence of 4%. In the older age group with STI diagnosis, swingers have with 55% and MSM with 31% the largest share in STI. Conclusions Swingers comprise substantial part of STI consultations. They are a mainly older group and have an important share in STI diagnoses. While other risk groups for STI, such as young heterosexuals and MSM, are systematically identified at STI health care facilities in order to provide them with fitting services, for swingers this is generally not the case. Swingers, as other groups with risk behaviours, need to be identified and treated as a risk group in STI prevention and care.
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