STI Health Disparities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Preventive Interventions in Educational Settings.

Nway Mon Kyaw Soe,Michael Schwandt,Yelena Bird,John Moraros

doi:10.3390/ijerph15122819

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to address disparities related to sexual health among students by examining the effectiveness of sexually transmitted infection (STI) preventive interventions in educational settings. PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Public Health Database, and EMBASE databases were used to conduct searches. Information relating to studies, programs, participants, and quantitative outcome variables were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed and meta-analysis was conducted. This systematic review included 16 articles. The outcomes were classified into behavioral and psychosocial categories. The behavioral category included sexual partners, sexual activity, condom use, STI/HIV testing, and alcohol/drug use before sex. The psychosocial category consisted of knowledge, motivational factors, and skills. Interventions had a significantly positive impact on both behavioral (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.17–1.39) and psychosocial (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.36–2.72) outcomes. Among the psychosocial outcomes, the interventions were most effective at promoting knowledge (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 2.13–4.72), followed by enhancing motivational factors (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.04–2.75) and increasing behavioral skills (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.13–1.81). The results of this systematic review provide empirical evidence for public health professionals and policy makers regarding planning, implementation, evaluation, and modification of STI preventive intervention programs in educational settings.

Highlights

IntroductionTransmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health concern worldwide [1]
Transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health concern worldwide [1].According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 360 million people acquire one of four sexually transmitted infection (STI) annually [2]
1411 articles were removed as duplicates

Summary

Introduction

Transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health concern worldwide [1]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 360 million people acquire one of four STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomonas) annually [2]. Youth (aged 15–24 years old) are vulnerable to STIs due to their high likelihood to engage in risky behaviors [3,4]. The majority of youth are students, especially in developed countries [5,6,7,8]. Educational institutions represent ideal settings to implement effective strategies to help reduce the STI burden and provide improved health to their students. Youth in developed countries are not immune to the scourge of STIs. In the U.S, individuals

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion