Targeting sexual health services in primary care: A systematic review of the psychosocial correlates of adverse sexual health outcomes reported in probability surveys of women of reproductive age.

BACKGROUND

Women using primary care vary in need for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing and contraception. Psychosocial correlates of these needs may be useful for targeting services. We undertook a systematic review to identify psychosocial correlates of STI acquisition, unplanned pregnancy (UP), abortion and risky sexual behaviours in general population samples of women of reproductive age.

METHODS

We searched bibliographic databases for probability surveys of women aged 16-44 years in the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, UK or New Zealand undertaken January 1994-January 2014.

RESULTS

Eleven papers were included. Unplanned pregnancy was associated with smoking, depression, being single and sexual debut <16 years. Abortion was associated with lack of closeness to parents, leaving home at an early age, and relationship break-up. Multiple partnerships were associated with intensity of marijuana and alcohol use, and smoking. STI diagnosis was associated with relationship break-up and younger partners. Non-use of contraception was associated with smoking, obesity, relationship status, sedentary lifestyles, fatalistic pregnancy attitudes and lower alcohol use. Condom non-use was higher (at first sex) with partners 5+years older and lower (at last sex) in less stable partnerships.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial variables, particularly relationship status and smoking, may help identify women in primary care for STI testing and contraception advice and supply.