Trends and factors associated with trichomoniasis among people attending sexual health services, England, 2012 to 2023
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Objective
We assessed trends and risk factors for trichomoniasis since the publication of the 2014 BASHH trichomoniasis management guideline and following the addition, in 2021, of recommended [demographically and geographically] targeted screening for this infection.
Methods
We described gender-stratified trends in trichomoniasis diagnoses at sexual health services in England from 2012-2023 using data from the GUMCAD STI surveillance system. We determined gender-stratified factors associated with trichomoniasis diagnosis.
Results
Nationally, trichomoniasis diagnoses increased by 38% between 2012 and 2019 (6,950 to 9,490 diagnoses); after a drop in 2020 due to COVID-19, diagnoses increased by 54% between 2021 and 2023 (5,907 to 9,102 diagnoses).
For women, trichomoniasis infection was associated with older age groups (aged 45+, aOR: 2.75 [95% CI:2.53-2.98] vs 15-25yrs). Women self-reporting Black Caribbean ethnicity (aOR: 3.21 [95% CI: 2.95-3.50]) and any other black background (aOR: 3.75 [95% CI:3.25-4.34]) had higher odds of trichomoniasis diagnosis than people of White British ethnicity. Trichomoniasis diagnoses were associated with living in the most deprived areas (vs. least deprived; aOR 3.25 [95% CI: 2.91-3.63]), living in the West Midlands (vs. London; aOR 2.12, [95% CI: 1.96-2.28]) and in Yorkshire and Humber (vs. London; aOR 1.44, [95% CI: 1.31-1.58]). Similar factors were observed to be associated with a diagnosis of trichomoniasis amongst men.
Discussion
The targeted screening of women either at high risk of infection (and their partners) or living in areas of higher prevalence, and the introduction of NAAT testing has likely contributed to the increase in diagnoses, especially among Black ethnicities. Although diagnoses have increased in all areas and ethnic groups, the increased likelihood of trichomoniasis among some racially minoritised groups shows the potential effect of compounding sources of health inequity, something which highlights the need for targeted, culturally competent interventions to address this.
