Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Factors Among Immigrants in Lima, Peru

Mamani N.D.; Perez D.G.; Galvez T.M.; Ramos L.B.; Galea J.T.; Flores J.A.; Leon S.R. · Sexually Transmitted Diseases (2026) · DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000002401

Resumen

Background: – International migration is increasing substantially in recent years, raising concerns about immigrant health in low- and middle-income countries. In Perú, the large influx of Venezuelan immigrants has increased demands on the health system, while data on sexually transmitted infections and HIV (STI/HIV) in this population remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of laboratory-confirmed STI/HIV and identify factors associated with prevalent STI/HIV among Venezuelan immigrants in Lima, Peru. Methods: – A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 325 Venezuelan immigrants in Metropolitan Lima and Callao, Peru, using peer-referral sampling supported by a Venezuelan community recruiter. Participants completed a structured epidemiological questionnaire and provided biological samples for laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of STI/HIV. The primary outcome was a binary composite measure of laboratory-confirmed STI/HIV, defined by the presence of at least 1 of 4 infections. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression in Stata 18. In the adjusted analysis, LGBTQ+ sexual identity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.04–5.84) and previous self-reported STI history (aOR 3.68, 95% CI 2.15–6.30) remained independently associated with laboratory-confirmed STI/HIV. Variables with P < 0.200 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate model. Results: – The prevalence of any laboratory-confirmed STI/HIV was 11.1%. In bivariate analyses, STI/HIV prevalence was higher among men, participants identifying as LGBTQ+, those reporting drug use, individuals with a previous self-reported STI/HIV diagnosis, and those reporting 2 or more sexual partners during the previous 3 months. In a multivariable logistic regression model, previous self-reported STI/HIV diagnosis and drug use remained independently associated with prevalent STI/HIV. Conclusions: – STI/HIV positivity among Venezuelan immigrants in Lima was associated with previous STI/HIV diagnosis and sexual identity after multivariable adjustment. These findings support the need to strengthen equitable access to culturally appropriate STI/HIV prevention, testing, linkage to care, and health promotion services for Venezuelan immigrant communities in Perú. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista