The Adverse Effects of Multiple Sexual Partners on STI Transmission, Mental Health, and Reproductive Health Outcomes: A Critical Review
By: Dr. (ND) Francis Appiah, Naturopathic Doctor Email: kofiappiah803@gmail.com Abstract The prevalence of multiple sexual partners (MSPs) remains high worldwide, with sub‑Saharan Africa reporting some of the most pronounced rates, especially among young adults (UNAIDS, 2023). This article presents a systematic review of peer‑reviewed literature published between 2010 and 2024 that examines associations between MSPs and three key health outcomes: sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mental‑health disorders, and adverse reproductive outcomes. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science identified 48 eligible studies, and quality was assessed using the PRISMA checklist and the Newcastle‑Ottawa Scale. The review consistently found that MSPs are linked to increased odds of bacterial STIs (odds ratios 1.8–3.5) and viral STIs (odds ratios 1.9–2.5), higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms (prevalence ratios 1.4–2.1), and greater risks of unintended pregn...