Predictors of Recent Incidence Trends in Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Systematic Review Protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a significant global health challenge, with rising diagnoses, particularly among young adults.
• STIs can lead to severe health issues like infertility and increased HIV risk, exacerbated by stigma and mental health concerns.
• Recent years have seen a notable global increase in STI diagnoses, necessitating an understanding of contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review evidence on predictors of trends in gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV diagnoses over the last ten years.
• To offer insights into the multifaceted drivers behind the recent surge in STI diagnosis rates.
• To inform sexual health policy, particularly in Ireland, by analyzing international STI trends.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search strategy was employed, including published and grey literature.
• Included studies focused on longitudinal associations between changes in the incidence of gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV diagnoses over the past decade.
• Sociodemographic and behavioral variables were analyzed alongside STI trends using narrative analysis.

Main Results:

• The review synthesizes evidence on predictors influencing STI trends over the last decade.
• Analysis explores changes in sociodemographic and behavioral factors correlating with STI incidence.
• Identified trends and predictors aim to elucidate the rise in STI diagnoses.

Conclusions:

• The findings will aid policymakers in understanding and addressing rising STI diagnosis rates.
• The review highlights the importance of comprehensive behavioral surveillance systems for tracking STI trends.
• Limitations include potential publication bias and data gaps for specific subpopulations.