Factors Associated with Repeat Visits among Clients Attending a Clinic for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: To identify factors associated with repeat visits among patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Kisumu, Kenya. Methods: Records of clinic visits were examined from March 2009 through May 2010. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with repeat visits occurring > 30 days after the initial visit. Results: Among 1,473 clients (1,296 single-visit individuals vs. 177 individuals with repeat visits), the median age was 24 years, 67% were male, and 8.6% self-reported being HIV positive. In adjusted analyses, men with repeat visits were more likely to report > 2 recent sex partners (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.60) and being HIV-positive (AOR=2.35). They were less likely to have been referred from other health facilities (AOR=0.14) and more likely to have urethral discharge at initial visit (AOR=2.46). Among women, repeat visits were associated with vaginal discharge (AOR=2.22), but attending the clinic with a partner was protective (AOR=0.38). Conclusions: The association between sexual risk, HIV positivity and repeat visits among male clients highlights the need to focus intervention efforts on this group. For women, attending with a partner may reflect a decreased risk of re-infection if both partners are treated and counseled together.