Key findings:

• Between 2007 and 2012, less than half of REU reported having an STI test in the 12 months preceding their interview
• Ten per cent of REU who reported testing in the preceding 12 months reported an STI diagnosis in the same period
• Chlamydia was the most commonly reported STI diagnosed in the preceding 12 months (73%)
• Reported recent STI diagnosis increased significantly between 2011 (6%) and 2012 (13%)
• Majority of REU reported having two or more casual sex partners in the preceding six months; there was a general increasing trend in the percentage of REU reporting two or more partners between 2008 and 2012
• There was an increasing trend in REU reporting concurrent sex and drug use between 2009 and 2012
• There was an increasing trend in the number of REU reporting inconsistent condom use with casual sex partners when having sex while using drugs between 2007 and 2010. In 2012, inconsistent condom use during concurrent sex and drug use was reported by 67% of REU
• REU were more likely to report testing for an STI in the preceding 12 months if they reported inconsistent condom use (49%) compared to consistent condom use (42%)
• REU were more likely to report an STI diagnosis if they reported inconsistent condom use (16%) compared to consistent condom use (6%)

Resources

• EDRSdecember2012.pdf