Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Nigeria.
Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 May 17;103(20):e38199. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038199.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a significant global health challenge with far-reaching social, economic, and public health implications. These infections have haunted humanity from ancient times to today, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural contexts. This article explores the multifaceted landscape of STDs, delving into their epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and global response strategies. The global prevalence of STDs is staggering, with millions of new cases reported annually. Prominent among these infections is HIV/AIDS, which remains a major global health crisis, affecting over 38 million people worldwide. Additionally, bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis continue to pose significant health risks, with millions of new cases reported yearly. Beyond the physical manifestations, STDs have profound social and economic implications. They can result in severe reproductive health issues, stigma, discrimination, and psychological distress, burdening healthcare systems and affecting individuals' quality of life. The global response to STDs has been multifaceted, with international organizations and governments implementing various prevention and control strategies, including sexual education programs and scaling up access to testing and treatment. However, challenges persist, including disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural factors influencing transmission, and evolving pathogens with increasing resistance to treatment. Through case studies and real-world examples, we illuminate the human stories behind the statistics, highlighting the lived experiences of individuals grappling with STDs and the complex interplay of factors shaping their journeys. Ultimately, this review calls for continued research, innovative strategies, and sustained global commitment to mitigating the burden of STDs and promoting sexual health and well-being for all.
性传播疾病(性病)是一个全球性的重大健康挑战,具有深远的社会、经济和公共卫生影响。这些感染从古至今一直困扰着人类,跨越了地理边界和文化背景。本文探讨了性病的多方面情况,深入研究了其流行病学、病理生理学、临床表现和全球应对策略。全球性病的流行率令人震惊,每年报告的新病例数以百万计。在这些感染中,艾滋病毒/艾滋病尤为突出,它仍然是一个重大的全球健康危机,影响着全球超过 3800 万人。此外,淋病、衣原体和梅毒等细菌性性病也继续构成重大健康风险,每年报告的新病例数以百万计。除了身体上的表现,性病还具有深远的社会和经济影响。它们可能导致严重的生殖健康问题、耻辱感、歧视和心理困扰,给医疗保健系统带来负担,并影响个人的生活质量。全球对性病的应对是多方面的,国际组织和政府实施了各种预防和控制策略,包括性教育计划和扩大检测和治疗的机会。然而,挑战依然存在,包括医疗保健获取方面的差距、影响传播的社会文化因素以及对治疗的耐药性不断增加的病原体。通过案例研究和现实世界的例子,我们阐明了统计数据背后的人类故事,强调了个体与性病作斗争的真实经历以及影响他们旅程的复杂因素相互作用。最终,这篇综述呼吁继续进行研究、创新策略和持续的全球承诺,以减轻性病的负担,促进所有人的性健康和福祉。
Medicine (Baltimore). 2024-5-17
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