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The stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often prevents people from discussing STIs and from getting treatment when they are infected. But STIs are a serious problem in the United States and overseas, costing billions of dollars annually and in some cases leading to infertility and even death. Young people ages 15-24 experience almost half of the nation’s STIs, with young people of color at vastly disproportionate risk. In order to protect themselves from STIs, young people need culturally competent information and access to health care services and contraception/condoms.
If you are conducting research on adolescents and sexually transmitted infections, check out Advocates’ STI Prevention Research Guide for the most recent news, scholarly research, and publications from a variety of sources.
General Facts
Youth in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
In low- and middle-income countries over 300 million cases of STIs occur annually, and many go untreated because of lack of access to services. And HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer, annually leads to the death of 250,000 year in these countries.
Redressing STI Disparities Among Youth
Young people of color are at disproportionate risk for STIs. It is important to promote programs that seek to lessen risky sexual behaviors by encouraging condom use, delay in sexual initiation, partner reduction, and early HIV testing and treatment. But research has shown that even when risk factors are equal, youth of color are more at risk for HIV. The following resources address the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on these young people as well as the underlying social forces that contribute to these disparities.
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