Co-infections with sexually transmitted infections and blood borne infections (STIBBI) are common among people living with HIV. They occur because of shared risk behaviours and common social conditions. It is a significant public health issue because groups of people at high risk of acquiring and transmitting infections can spread them more readily to the broader population.
This study proposes to examine neighbourhood-level characteristics (e.g. socio-behavioural groupings, geographic areas) to describe how contextual variables and socioeconomic status contribute to STIBBI co-infection trends. We will use provincial surveillance, laboratory, and healthcare utilization data linkages.
Our goal is to shed light on whether real-time data linkage could improve delivery of health services to core groups of people living with HIV. Ultimately, this work could inform health service policies and procedures that improve quality of life and reduce the spread of STIBBI among the general population.