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Measures of sexual partnerships: Lengths, gaps, overlaps, and sexually
transmitted infection.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2006; 33(4):209-214.
Foxman B, Newman M, Percha B, Holmes KK, Aral SO.
Abstract
GOAL: The length of time between partnerships ("gap") is an important
determinant of the overall transmission system of sexually transmitted infections.
We describe the distributions of gaps, lengths, and overlaps among participants
in a random-digit dialing survey conducted among 1194 Seattle residents during
2003-2004. METHODS: Survey participants were restricted to those 18 to 39 years
of age with fluency in the English language. We limited our analysis to the
1051 (88%) participants who reported ever engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal
intercourse and reported information on gaps, lengths, and overlaps. RESULTS:
Most (59%) observed gaps between partnerships were of length<or=6 months;
therefore, the majority of 18- to 39-year-olds seeking new partners find a
new partner well within the infectious period of chlamydia infection, gonorrhea,
and syphilis (if no treatment is received) and herpes simplex virus, human
papilloma virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections. This was generally
true independent of gender, race, income, or education. Gap length, however,
correlated with age. CONCLUSIONS: The observed shorter gap lengths among younger
individuals reinforce the need to focus interventions on adolescents and young
adults, particularly those with the potential to mix with infected individuals.