Sexually transmitted infections and hypertension management among men who have sex with men: a literature review of early telemedicine approaches

This systematic review synthesizes evidence on telemedicine applications for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV services among men who have sex with men (MSM), with an integrated perspective on implications for chronic disease management such as hypertension. Following a structured search of three databases, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings reveal that telemedicine is primarily utilized for HIV prevention counseling, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery, and sexual health information dissemination, demonstrating high acceptability among MSM largely due to enhanced privacy and reduced stigma. However, its application for comprehensive STI diagnosis and treatment remains limited, often relying on hybrid models that combine remote consultation with essential in-person laboratory services. Critically, the core functional components of these digital interventions—including mobile health apps for education, teleconsultation for clinical assessment, and home-based specimen collection integrated with clinical support—are not condition-specific. These components form a versatile toolkit that can be adapted to manage hypertension, which shares similar requirements for ongoing monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and medication management. The significant overlap in barriers addressed by telemedicine, such as discreet access and continuity of care, for both sexual health and chronic conditions presents a compelling rationale for integrated care models. Therefore, rather than developing parallel systems, future digital health strategies should focus on designing holistic telemedicine platforms capable of addressing multiple co-occurring health needs, including STI risk and cardiovascular health, during single, person-centered encounters. This approach could transform telemedicine from a tool for discrete services into a cornerstone of comprehensive preventive healthcare.