Dyadic Adjustment of Couples and State Anxiety in Patients Tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

Background: While existing literature addresses the psychological impact of HIV, there is a notable gap in data regarding other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the association between STIs, the psychological profile of patients as measured by anxiety levels, and the impact on couple adaptability. Methods: A prospective investigation was conducted in Romania, from November 2021, including individuals with high suspicion of STI and healthy controls. Data collection comprised a questionnaire, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y-1). Statistical methods, including multivariate logistic and linear regressions, were used to carry out the analyses. Results: The participant cohort consisted of 441 individuals. STI participants exhibited consistently lower DAS scores, notably in dyadic adaptability (DA) (p = 0.031), dyadic satisfaction (DS) (p = 0.006), and affectional expression (AE) (p = 0.016). Multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for confounders confirmed a significant association between STIs and atypical DAS responses (2.56-fold increase). STAI T scores were significantly higher in the STI suspected group (p < 0.01), remaining robust after adjusting for confounders in a multiple linear regression model. Conclusions: Our prospectively designed study highlights the mental health repercussions associated with STIs. This is evident through the diminished DAS scores and heightened STAI Y-1 scores observed in individuals with suspected STIs.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio and Systemic Inflammatory Index in sexually transmitted diseases

“…Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rank among the prevalent infectious diseases globally, with approximately 1 million newly reported cases daily. They significantly affect sexual, reproductive, and mental well-being [ 1 ]. STIs stem from various sources, including: bacteria ( Neisseria gonorrhoeae , Chlamydia trachomatis , Mycoplasma hominis , Ureaplasma urealyticum , Treponema pallidum , Haemophilus ducreyi , Calymmatobacterium granulomatis ), viruses ( Herpes simplex , Hepatitis viruses A, B , and C , Human Papillomavirus ), protozoa ( Trichomonas vaginalis , Entamoeba histolytica ), fungi ( Candida albicans ), metazoa ( Phthirus pubis , Sarcoptes scabiei ) [ 2 ].…”