Underserved populations and bacterial and protozoal sexually transmitted infections: a lost health-care opportunity

• Published in: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences Vol. 21; no. 17; p. 3935
• Main Authors: Fiore, V, Latte, G, Madeddu, G, Galleri, G, Rocchitta, G, Nuvoli, S, Calvisi, D, Bagella, P, Manetti, R, Serra, P A, Spanu, A, Babudieri, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01.10.2017
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Databases, Factual; Delivery of Health Care; Female; Homeless Persons; Humans; Male; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - complications; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - drug therapy; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - pathology; Substance-Related Disorders - complications; Substance-Related Disorders - pathology; Transients and Migrants
• ISSN: 2284-0729

The purpose of our review is an update about the burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among various types of underserved populations, such as migrants, substance abusers, homeless and incarcerated inmates. First-line test and treatment based on the latest available evidence according to the revised guidelines of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also been considered. We performed a comprehensive research using scientific databases such as Medline and Pubmed, followed by a review of citations and reference list. A consultation with other experts in the management of the various subpopulations was also conducted. Health-care is often influenced by social determinants, which play a vital role in the diffusion of STIs. The consequence is a socio-economical and ethnic disparity in the rate of STIs. Early screening and treatment of STIs should be implemented in clinical practice, starting from marginalized social groups, which are the most affected by this health problem. In the literature, there are very few papers containing information on STIs prevalence in various types of underserved populations, such as migrants, substance abusers, homeless and incarcerated inmates. The availability of more accurate epidemiological data is needed. In these groups, the most relevant barrier is the lower perception of health-care need, with an underestimation of risk and symptoms of STIs, causing a retard of diagnosis and health-care provision and use. For these populations, targeted interventions are needed, particularly on unaware people, responsible for most STIs transmissions.