Factors associated with repeat visits among clients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted infections in Kisumu, Kenya

To identify factors associated with repeat visits among patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Kisumu, Kenya, we examined records of clinic visits from March 2009 to May 2010. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with repeat visits occurring >30 days after the initial visit. Among 1473 clients (1296 single-visit individuals versus 177 individuals with repeat visits), the median age was 24 years, 67% were men and 8.6% self-reported being HIV-positive. In adjusted analyses, men with repeat visits were more likely to report >= 2 recent sexual 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 their 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). 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 counselled together.