Here's a startling number to wake you up with your morning coffee: 24.1 percent of the 838 female adolescents (ages 14-19) participating in the National Healthand Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004 tested positive for one or more of the five most common sexually transmitted infections: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis,Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus type 2, and humanpapillomavirus (HPV).
The study, published online yesterday in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is available in full as a free PDF file.
In the Discussion section of the published study, the authors (Sara E. Forhan, MD, MPH, et al) write:
"Applying the prevalence of these 5 common STIs to 2004 US Census data, we predict that nationwide nearly 3 million female individuals aged 14 to 19 have at least one of these infections."
Expect those numbers, and other findings from the study, to help shape the dialogue around the need for more comprehensive sex education in the United States, and for increased prevention efforts. As the authors note, "Among US female adolescents, STI burden is substantial, and HPV is the most prevalent STI. STIs appear to be acquired rapidly after sexual initiation, which reinforces the need for prevention efforts, including HPV vaccination, well before the onset of sexual activity."
From the abstract:
Objective Most young women initiate sexual activity during adolescence;risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) accompaniesthis initiation. In this study we estimated the prevalence ofthe most common STIs among a representative sample of femaleadolescents in the United States.
Methods Data were analyzed from 838 females who were aged 14 to 19 andparticipating in the nationally representative National Healthand Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004. After interviewand examination, survey participants provided biological specimensfor laboratory testing. The main outcome was weighted prevalenceof at least 1 of 5 STIs: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis,Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus type 2, and humanpapillomavirus (HPV) (any of 23 high-risk types or type 6 or11).
Results Prevalence of any of the 5 STIs was 24.1% among all and 37.7%among sexually experienced female adolescents. HPV (23 high-risktypes or type 6 or 11) was the most common STI among all femaleadolescents (prevalence: 18.3%), followed by C trachomatis infection(prevalence: 3.9%). Prevalence of any of the STIs was 25.6%among those whose age was the same or 1 year greater than theirage at sexual initiation and 19.7% among those who reportedonly 1 lifetime sex partner.
Conclusions The prevalence of STIs among female adolescents is substantial, and STIs begin to be acquired soon after sexual initiation and with few sex partners. These findings support early and comprehensive sex education, routine HPV vaccination at the age of 11 to 12 years and C trachomatis screening of sexually active female adolescents.
In the Conclusions section of the published study, the authors write,
These findings highlight the importance of both primary and secondary STI prevention, including early, skill-based sexual education; HPV vaccination of pre-adolescent girls; and chlamydia screening of all sexually active female adolescents. A comprehensive approach designed to decrease STIs among female adolescents would also include steps to lessen racial disparities and to ensure that all adolescents have access to such sex education and sexual health care well before they initiate sexual activity"
Comments
Just to be clear, not only was this a small sample size, the CDCs overall reports show 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year in the states, and almost half among 15- to 24-year-olds of all genders. Often this is framed as being about women because a) that's who gets tested most & b) that is who is studied most, in part b/c women bear a greater health burden and can more easily be tested for some STIs. Lesbian STI transmission happens but it is very rare compared to M/F and M/M transmission: of these 838 girls w/one of these STIs in the study, you can rest assured there are as many males with those STIs -- where the girls likely picked them up from, and vice-versa.
That's important for a few reasons, but certainly from a prevention angle: young women seeing this and thinking simply really can presume that this means if she just doesn't have sex with girls, then, she's safe. It also makes sure sex educators don't put all responsibility for safer sex on girls.
Point taken, Heather: For every teen girl with an STD, there's probably at least one teen boy with same. This study, for whatever reasons, only included teen girls ages 14-19, but I think you're right to point out the danger in presenting the study as a standalone statistic that doesn't provide a whole picture and potentially stigmatizes girls. Not my intention at all! As a side note for my readers, Heather Corinna is founder of Scarleteen.com, one of my favorite Sex Ed sites for teens, and author of "S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-To-Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You Through High School and College" and other great books (see HeatherCorinna.com). I'm honored to have her here as a reader!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!