Comparative Analysis of the Incidence of Selected Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Infections in Poland in 2010-2015: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Sexually transmitted infections are common infectious diseases. The main aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in 2010-2015 in Poland, taking into account the administrative division of the country into provinces. This was a retrospective study. The analysed data came from the Centre for Health Information Systems of the Ministry of Health and constituted information being the epidemiological surveillance system in Poland. The analysis included data on the incidence of primary and secondary syphilis, gonorrhoea and non-gonococcal urethritis and genital infections. The overall incidence rates were disproportionately lower than European rates and those presented in studies from other countries. Young people, between 20 and 29 years of age, were the key groups at the highest risk of infection. The incidence rate of primary and secondary syphilis was lower in Poland than in Europe or America, but some regions, such as Mazovia and Lodz provinces, were found to have a higher incidence rate than other European rates. The reported incidence of gonorrhoea in Poland was also significantly lower compared with other countries, with a significantly higher number of infections in males than in females, and this was also one of the highest rates in EU countries. During the study period, the number of non-gonococcal genital infections systematically decreased, while in other countries of the European region, the incidence was among the highest of all sexually transmitted infections.

Automated summary

This study compared the incidence rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in Poland from 2010 to 2015. The overall incidence rates were lower in Poland compared to Europe and other countries. Young people aged 20-29 were found to be at the highest risk of infection. While the incidence rates of syphilis and gonorrhoea were lower in Poland compared to Europe, certain regions had higher rates. Gonorrhoea incidence in Poland was significantly lower compared to other countries, with more infections occurring in males. The number of non-gonococcal genital infections decreased during the study period in Poland.