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Nation Failing to Curb the Spread of STDs Among Young People, American Social Health Association Releases Report
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC -- New information about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among adolescents reveals that basic public health efforts are being neglected. Today, the American Social Health Association (ASHA) released "State of the Nation 2005: Challenges Facing STD Prevention in Youth." This report highlights the challenges in preventing the spread of STDs among young Americans. The report asserts that political wrangling over school-based educational programs has overshadowed other key pieces of the prevention puzzle, such as removing barriers to health care for adolescents and ensuring compliance with current medical recommendations for testing and counseling. It is estimated that 1 out of 2 sexually active youth will contract an STD by age 25, according to a recent report by researchers at the University of North Carolina. The estimated direct medical costs of the 9.1 million new cases of STDs in 2000 among youth 15 to 24 were $6.5 billion. "We have effective, affordable tools to address this threat to adolescent health but fail to use them," said James R. Allen, MD, MPH, ASHA president and CEO. In spite of screening recommendations by government agencies and professional associations, less than half of young sexually active females are screened annually for chlamydia, which untreated can lead to infertility. In addition, new ASHA survey data also shows that approximately two-thirds of adolescents assume they are being tested for chlamydia and other STDs during regular health care visits, when in fact such testing is not routine. "A significant barrier to screening is the medical provider's lack of knowledge about STDs in adolescents," said Charlotte A. Gaydos, DrPH, associate professor of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University and consultant for ASHA's report. Another key challenge in STD prevention among youth is the lack of access to medical care. "It is crucial that we reduce the obstacles adolescents have in seeking health care," said Susan L. Rosenthal, PhD, director of the Division of Adolescent and Behavioral Health and professor of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and a consultant on the report. "If adolescents don't receive care, we lose the opportunity to provide guidance and counseling." According to ASHA's "State of the Nation" report, promoting abstinence as an effective way to remain free of sexually transmitted infections is a sound message, but the issues here are more complex. "Just as it is vital to understand the benefits of abstinence, it is also vital for young people to fully understand risks and prevention approaches," said Allen. The "State of the Nation" report, which includes the results of its new adolescent survey, is being distributed during National STD Awareness Month through a grant from Roche Diagnostics. About ASHA The American Social Health Association (ASHA) is a 91-year-old nonprofit organization with offices in Washington, DC and Research Triangle Park, NC. It is dedicated to improving the health of individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on sexually transmitted diseases. ASHA provides important services to consumers and health care professionals through a variety of programs such as: advocacy efforts for STD research and programs; education for patients, providers, policymakers, and the media about STDs; survey and evaluation research in the area of sexual health; and national call centers, which provide counseling and referrals. As a tax-exempt organization, ASHA relies on charitable contributions to support this important work. Return to ASHA Press Releases |
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