[Evolution of sexually transmitted infections cases in the city of Barcelona (2007-2024): profiles by reporting centre].
Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
To describe the evolution of individually notifiable sexually transmitted infections diagnoses in the city of Barcelona between 2007 and 2024, and to analyse their association with sociodemographic variables and the type of reporting centre. Temporal trend analysis based on population-level data on cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum in the city of Barcelona. Annual incidence rates and adjusted incidence rate ratios were estimated using robust Poisson regression, adjusting for sociodemographic variables and stratifying by type of centre. Overall, 44.3% of diagnoses were made in community-based services, 30.6% in primary care and 24.9% in hospital-based care. Men accounted for 78.6% of cases and were predominantly diagnosed in community settings, whereas women were mainly diagnosed in primary care. Compared with the 25-34-year age group, the probability of being diagnosed in any type of care setting decreased with increasing age. Being born in Central or South America was associated with a 112% higher probability of diagnosis in primary care and a 144% higher probability in hospital care. Low socioeconomic status was associated with a 238% higher probability of diagnosis in primary care. Sexually transmitted infections diagnoses in Barcelona show potential inequalities by sex, country of birth and socioeconomic level, which are reflected in the type of healthcare setting where diagnoses are made. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have accentuat
Abstract
To describe the evolution of individually notifiable sexually transmitted infections diagnoses in the city of Barcelona between 2007 and 2024, and to analyse their association with sociodemographic variables and the type of reporting centre. Temporal trend analysis based on population-level data on cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum in the city of Barcelona. Annual incidence rates and adjusted incidence rate ratios were estimated using robust Poisson regression, adjusting for sociodemographic variables and stratifying by type of centre. Overall, 44.3% of diagnoses were made in community-based services, 30.6% in primary care and 24.9% in hospital-based care. Men accounted for 78.6% of cases and were predominantly diagnosed in community settings, whereas women were mainly diagnosed in primary care. Compared with the 25-34-year age group, the probability of being diagnosed in any type of care setting decreased with increasing age. Being born in Central or South America was associated with a 112% higher probability of diagnosis in primary care and a 144% higher probability in hospital care. Low socioeconomic status was associated with a 238% higher probability of diagnosis in primary care. Sexually transmitted infections diagnoses in Barcelona show potential inequalities by sex, country of birth and socioeconomic level, which are reflected in the type of healthcare setting where diagnoses are made. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have accentuated these patterns, with a relative shift in diagnostic activity towards community-based services. Strengthening primary care and improving coordination between healthcare settings are needed to move towards a more equitable model of sexual health care.