A global meta-analysis of gonorrhoea and chlamydia prevalence among men who have sex with men from 2000 to 2022

Abstract

Introduction: We conducted a global systematic review and meta-analysis of gonorrhoea and chlamydia among men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2000 to 2022. Methods: We searched four databases to identify studies conducted between 1 January 2000 and 19 April 2022 that reported prevalence from aetiological assays. We extracted data, calculated point estimates, corrected and then pooled them using random-effects models. We stratified results by United Nations regions and conducted subgroup analyses established apriori. Results: 172 studies met our inclusion criteria, providing 387 prevalence data points from 57 countries. The overall pooled prevalence for gonorrhoea was 7.2% [95% CI: 6.0 to 8.5; 188 data points; n = 347,253] and for chlamydia was 9.9% (95% CI: 8.8 to 11.0; 190 data points; n = 342,799). For gonorrhoea, pooled prevalence between 2000 and 2010 was 5.0% (95% CI: 3.7 to 6.5; 89 data points; n = 78,557) compared to 9.3% (7.7–11.1; 99 data points; n = 268,696) between 2011 and 2022, p < 0.001. For chlamydia, pooled prevalence between 2000 to 2010 was 6.6% (95% CI: 5.4 to 7.9; 95 data points; n = 91,015) compared to 13.6% (12.0–15.2; 95 data points; n = 251,784) between 2011 and 2022, p < 0.001. Conclusion: A holistic approach is needed to reduce the curable STIs burden among MSM.