Technologies, strategies and approaches for testing populations at risk of sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review protocol to inform prevention and control in EU/EEA countries

Abstract

Objectives: This protocol outlines a systematic review methodology, aiming to assess the recent evidence-base for the impact of testing strategies and approaches on access to testing, testing coverage, and linkage to care for populations at risk for specific curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium infections). Data sources: These include MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, Cochrane Database, Epistemonikos, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Review methods: Papers reporting primary data from 1 January 2012 onwards will be included. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be reviewed for inclusion, and data will be extracted using a pre-specified and piloted data extraction form, by two independent reviewers. Experts in the field will be contacted and interviewed for further information about ongoing or unpublished studies. A narrative synthesis of the findings will be conducted. Discussion: Outcomes of this study will inform policy makers, national and international programme coordinators, public health and clinical experts, and civil society organisations involved in STI prevention and control in EU/EEA countries and elsewhere. The review will provide a direction for future researchers and programmers seeking to improve STI testing services among key populations at high risk for STIs. Systematic review registration: In accordance with guidelines outlined in the PRISMA-P methodology, this protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 30 January 2019: CRD42019118261.

Comparison of knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare staff toward sexually transmitted infections in Markazi Province, Iran

“…In 2016, there were one million pregnant women with syphilis [5]. Although, the incidence and prevalence of the four sexually transmitted infections are lower in Europe than in other regions, a significant burden of these diseases can be observed in Europe, most of which is related to chlamydia [1,6].…”

Ten-Year Trend in Emergency Department Visits for Sexually Transmitted Infections among Adolescents: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in Italy

“…Vulnerable populations, such as adolescents, must be investigated to improve the prevention, treatment, and surveillance of STIs, and to guarantee tailored interventions [ 15 ]. The WHO and ECDC have drafted recommendations and developed strategies to strengthen the available monitoring systems [ 16 , 17 ].…”