HIV/AIDS prevalence among male patients in Kuwait

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection among male patients with sexually transmitted disease in Kuwait with emphasis on the type of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual partners.

METHODS: A sentinel surveillance was conducted among male sexually transmitted disease patients, randomly selected among all new sexually transmitted disease patients who visited the Family Planning Clinic during June 1996 to June 1997. The patient data was recorded by the attending physician on a specially designed questionnaire.

RESULTS: A total of 1984 subjects were screened, out of which not a single human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome case was found. Among the screened, 69% were non-Kuwaitis. Most of the subjects (76%) belonged to the age group 15-34 years, were married (53%), were illiterate (37.5%) and belonged to the low SES group (70%). The most common sexually transmitted diseases were non-specific urethritis (45%) and gonorrhea (42%). With regard to sexual practices, the majority of the respondents showed preference for female prostitutes, both inside (50%) and outside (48%) Kuwait.

CONCLUSION: The absence of any human immuno-deficiency virus positive case was probably due to the mandatory screening for granting residency in Kuwait, facilitating early detection of virus carriers among non-Kuwaitis. We, as researchers, are not sure if this study is true representation of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevalence among Kuwaiti sexually transmitted disease patients in this country who might seek treatment in private clinics. Moreover, the absence of prostitution as professional trade also tends to show the absence of indigenous circulation of the virus. Nevertheless, continuos surveillance is necessary to maintain and prevent the groups with risky behaviors from contracting the virus through sexual transmission. There is a distinct need to develop public education and awareness programs to serve as measures of prevention and protection.