Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (Syphilis, N. Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia) in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh: A...

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major global public health concern and are linked with human immunodeficiency virus in many ways. There is little evidence of the pooled prevalence of STIs across both states (Andhra Pradesh and Odisha).

Hence, we aim to estimate the prevalence of STIs in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. A comprehensive search was done in PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. We used a standardized data extraction form to collect information from eligible studies. We did a random-effects meta-analysis to obtain the pooled prevalence of STI in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. We stratified meta-analyses by states, microorganisms, and study setting.

We identified 1152 studies, of which 23 studies were included in the systematic review and 22 studies were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Syphilis in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha was 0.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.02) and 0.00 (95% CI 0.00-0.00), respectively. The pooled prevalence of Chlamydia and N. Gonorrhea in Andhra Pradesh among the general population was 0.01 (95% CI 0.00-0.03) and 0.05 (95% CI 0.01-0.24), respectively. The prevalence of Syphilis and Chlamydia among high-risk group populations in Andhra Pradesh was high in comparison with the general population.

Understanding the prevalence of STIs in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha among the general population and high-risk group populations will strengthen the epidemiological data tracking and help in the effective management and control of STIs.