Sexually Transmitted Infections ( Stis ) - 1615 Words

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are one of the most concerning health problems in the United States. It is a serious threat to the health of the population which could lead to severe complications if left untreated. According to the CDC, approximately 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted disease are reported throughout the nation. â€Å"Though constituting 25% of the sexually active population, youth account for nearly half of new STI cases which makes them the at-risk population† (â€Å"2014 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance†, 2015). Research suggests this increase in cases among adolescents and young adults was attributed to the â€Å"combination of behavioral, biological and cultural factors† (â€Å"Sexual Health of Adolescents and†¦show more content†¦S., Mcfarlane, M., 2000). Therefore, actions must be taken to prevent this particular group from contracting and spreading the disease. In the state of Missouri, STIs are also one of the most critical health problem. According to Missouri Health Assessment (2013), the state’s Gonorrhea (130.3 per 100,000 persons) and Chlamydia (465.6 per 100,000 persons) rates are significantly higher than the U.S (104.2 and 457.6 per 100,000 persons, respectively) rates. Especially in the metro regions of Kansas City and St. Louis, the prevalence rates of Gonorrhea (191.8 and 188 per 100,000 persons, respectively) and Chlamydia (606.1 and 558.8 per 100,000 persons) is significant higher than the state rates (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 2013). In Missouri - 2015 State Health Profile, reported rates of chlamydia among women were higher than those among men. The health profile also found that among women by age groups 20-24 had the highest number in cases for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. The statistics indicate that college students, especially female contributed greatly to the large number of STIsâ€℠¢ cases in Missouri (Missouri - 2015 State Health Profile, 2015). The priority population for sexual health is the youth because they are at greater risks for contracting STIs than other age groups. Therefore, the Sexual Health Advocacy Group will focus on giving college students the tools to choose not to engage in risky sexual behaviors and information on