Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), along with sexual health and behaviour, have received little attention in schizophrenia patients. Aims: To systematically review and meta-analytically characterise the prevalence of STIs and sexual risk behaviours among schizophrenia patients. Method: Web of Science, PubMed, BIOSIS, KCI-Korean Journal Database, MEDLINE, Russian Science Citation Index, SciELO and Cochrane Central Register were systematically searched from inception to 6 July 2023. Studies reporting on the prevalence or odds ratio of any STI or any outcome related to sexual risk behaviours among schizophrenia samples were included. PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant (CRD42023443602) random-effects meta-analyses were used for the selected outcomes. Q-statistics, I2 index, sensitivity analyses and meta-regressions were used. Study quality and publication bias were assessed. Results: Forty-eight studies (N = 2 459 456) reporting on STI prevalence (including 15 allowing for calculation of an odds ratio) and 33 studies (N = 4255) reporting on sexual risk behaviours were included. Schizophrenia samples showed a high prevalence of STIs and higher risks of HIV (odds ratio = 2.11; 95% CI 1.23-3.63), hepatitis C virus (HCV, odds ratio = 4.54; 95% CI 2.15-961) and hepatitis B virus (HBV; odds ratio = 2.42; 95% CI 1.95-3.01) infections than healthy controls. HIV prevalence was higher in Africa compared with other continents and in in-patient (rather than out-patient) settings. Finally, 37.7% (95% CI 31.5-44.4%) of patients were sexually active; 35.0% (95% CI 6.6-59.3%) reported consistent condom use, and 55.3% (95% CI 25.0-82.4%) maintained unprotected sexual relationships. Conclusions: Schizophrenia patients have high prevalence of STIs, with several-fold increased risks of HIV, HBV and HCV infection compared with the general population. Sexual health must be considered as an integral component of care.
Sexually transmitted infections, sexual life and risk behaviours of people living with schizophrenia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Fusar-Poli, Paolo;
2024-01-01
Abstract
Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), along with sexual health and behaviour, have received little attention in schizophrenia patients. Aims: To systematically review and meta-analytically characterise the prevalence of STIs and sexual risk behaviours among schizophrenia patients. Method: Web of Science, PubMed, BIOSIS, KCI-Korean Journal Database, MEDLINE, Russian Science Citation Index, SciELO and Cochrane Central Register were systematically searched from inception to 6 July 2023. Studies reporting on the prevalence or odds ratio of any STI or any outcome related to sexual risk behaviours among schizophrenia samples were included. PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant (CRD42023443602) random-effects meta-analyses were used for the selected outcomes. Q-statistics, I2 index, sensitivity analyses and meta-regressions were used. Study quality and publication bias were assessed. Results: Forty-eight studies (N = 2 459 456) reporting on STI prevalence (including 15 allowing for calculation of an odds ratio) and 33 studies (N = 4255) reporting on sexual risk behaviours were included. Schizophrenia samples showed a high prevalence of STIs and higher risks of HIV (odds ratio = 2.11; 95% CI 1.23-3.63), hepatitis C virus (HCV, odds ratio = 4.54; 95% CI 2.15-961) and hepatitis B virus (HBV; odds ratio = 2.42; 95% CI 1.95-3.01) infections than healthy controls. HIV prevalence was higher in Africa compared with other continents and in in-patient (rather than out-patient) settings. Finally, 37.7% (95% CI 31.5-44.4%) of patients were sexually active; 35.0% (95% CI 6.6-59.3%) reported consistent condom use, and 55.3% (95% CI 25.0-82.4%) maintained unprotected sexual relationships. Conclusions: Schizophrenia patients have high prevalence of STIs, with several-fold increased risks of HIV, HBV and HCV infection compared with the general population. Sexual health must be considered as an integral component of care.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
