Impact of primary and recurrent genital herpes on the quality of life of young people and adults: a mixed methods systematic review

Abstract

Objective:This review sought to identify the experiences of persons living with genital herpes and what interventions improve the health-related quality of life of young people and adults with primary or recurrent genital herpes.Introduction:Genital herpes is commonly associated with psychosocial challenges. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that its impact can be ameliorated through pharmacological and psychosocial interventions.Inclusion criteria:This review considered English- and German-language studies of community-dwelling males and females, of any ethnicity and geographical location, aged 15 years and older, who had primary or recurrent genital herpes. The quantitative component of the review included studies that reported on the virus’ impact on patients’ health-related quality of life and/or the efficacy of interventions in improving their health-related quality of life. Studies compared antiviral suppression therapies and psychological interventions with usual care or placebo, or against one another. The qualitative component of the review included studies that investigated the perceptions and experiences of young people and adults with genital herpes.Methods:Eleven databases were searched from January 1980 to March 2020. The JBI approach to mixed methods systematic reviews was followed at each stage of the review, and a convergent segregated approach to synthesis and integration was adopted.Results:A total of 31 publications covering 30 studies were deemed suitable for inclusion. Studies encompassed quantitative (n = 27, across 28 publications), qualitative (n = 1), and mixed methods (n = 2) designs. Critical appraisal scores were variable, particularly among the randomized controlled trials and the analytical cross-sectional studies. All studies were included regardless of methodological quality. The quantitative components identified that depression, illness concern, stress, anxiety, isolation, stigma, and a lowering of self-esteem, self-concept, self-confidence, and health-related quality of life may be experienced by both those newly diagnosed with genital herpes and those with recurrences. It was also identified that genital herpes can have an adverse effect on work or school, sexual relationships, and relationships with friends and family. Depression was found to significantly decrease after self-hypnosis and certain psychosocial interventions. Anxiety significantly decreased following pharmacological treatment, psychosocial interventions, and hypnosis. Psychosocial interventions significantly improved mood, and a self-help module with counseling significantly improved participants’ satisfaction with intimate relationships and their self-esteem. Pharmacological treatment significantly improved health-related quality of life; however, there were no significant differences between different active treatment regimens. The qualitative component of the review led to the identification of two synthesized findings: “Disclosure of a diagnosis of genital herpes poses a dilemma for people...

The Role of Biological Differences in Sexual Self-Concept and Mental Health in Homosexual and Heterosexual Women

“…Multiple variables, including age, gender, race, impotence, and marital status, were found to influence various components of sexual self-concept (Hensel et al, 2011;Nik et al, 2018;Shakespeare, 2030) as well as some diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases (Bennett et al, 2022). Schizophrenia and depression can also impact an individual's sexual self-perception.…”

“…Infection with sexually transmitted infections like genital herpes and genital warts is a significant sexual event that can have negative effects on sexual desire and various aspects of sexual self-concept, so that anxious and depressed individuals are more likely to fear having sex than those who are not infected. It has been shown that attributes connected with sexual self-concept, such as optimism, self-esteem, and sexual pleasure, are low in this group, and that ethical concerns in interpersonal communication produce challenges and inconsistencies for these persons (Bennett, Rebafka, Carrier, Cook, & Edwards, 2022;Parry, 2012).…”

“…In addition, some diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases, are transferred through sexual contact. (Bennett et al, 2022), schizophrenia and depression (Peitl MV, Peitl V, & E., 2009) can also affect individual`s self-concept.…”

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts: a mixed methods systematic review of quality of life and genital herpes

“…O ur review ''The impact of primary and recurrent genital herpes on the quality of life of young people and adults within primary care and genito-urinary medicine settings: a mixed methods systematic review'' 1 was a long time in gestation. Over 20 years ago, as a nurse specializing in sexual health, the lead author was often struck by the physical, psychological, and social distress caused by genital herpes.…”

“…Health-related quality of life can also be significantly affected, with adverse psychosocial outcomes being reported. 1 A mixed methods approach was chosen for this review, with the question lending itself to a convergent segregated approach. 4 As indicated in the JBI methodological guidance, 4 this method is appropriate when the focus of the review is on different aspects of the phenomenon of interest.…”