Incidence and risk factors of gonococcal urethritis reinfection among Thai male patients in a multicenter, retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Gonococcal urethritis (GU) is the second most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Epidemiologic studies of the situation of GU reinfection and its related risk factors among patients with a history of GU in Thailand remain somewhat limited. A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020 to determine the incidence and risk factors of GU reinfection among male patients visiting in Royal Thai Army (RTA) Hospitals. A total of 2,465 male patients presenting a history of GU was included in this study. In all, 147 (6.0%; 95% CI 5.1–6.9) male patients presented GU reinfection, representing an incidence rate of 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.5) per 100 person-years. The independent risk factors for GU reinfection were age < 30 years (AHR 1.7; 95% CI 1.0–2.8), number of sexual partners equal to 2 (AHR 3.4; 95% CI 1.0–11.2), ≥ 3 (AHR 5.6; 95% CI 2.7–11.6), and participants residing in the north (AHR 4.1; 95% CI 2.3–7.5) and northeast regions (AHR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1–3.9). Incidence of GU reinfection among male patients visiting RTA Hospitals was significantly high among younger aged patients, especially in the north and northeast regions. Multiple sex partners played a major role in GU reinfection. Effective STI prevention programs should be provided to alleviate reinfection and its complications.