Study on the impact of sexually transmitted infections on Quality of Life, mood and sexual function
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Giulia Ciccarese1, Francesco Drago2,3, Francesco Copello4
1Section of Dermatology, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy - giuliaciccarese@libero.it.
Background:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may impact on the patient's physical, psychological and sexual health and negatively influence their Quality of Life (QOL). Studies on this topic are scarce. This study aimed to assess the impact of STIs different from HIV on QOL, mood and sexual functioning in the patients attending our STIs center in comparison with patients affected by chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Methods:
An anonymous questionnaire was provided. It included 3 validated questionnaires: the European Quality of Life 5 dimensions 5 levels; the Beck Depression Inventory-II for depressive symptoms; the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) for sexual functioning.
Results:
Seventy-three STIs patients and 51 IBD patients participated in the study. The mean EQ-5D-5L questionnaire scores were 86.72 in STIs and 89.21 in IBD patients, without statistically significant difference between the two groups. Symptoms of depression were more common and severe in STIs patients compared to IBD patients. Sexual functioning was slightly worse in STIs patients than in IBD patients.
Conclusions:
This is one the very few studies focused on the impact of STIs on patient's physical, psychological and sexual health. Physicians dealing with STIs should consider the possible psychological consequences of the disease.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Genital Herpes
Amebiasis
Trichomoniasis

