Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevalence
Jenna M. O’Connell
Elisabeth B. Winterkorn
Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Female Adolescents Aged 14 to 19 in the United States
Forhan SE, Gottlieb SL, Sternberg MR, et al. Pediatrics. 2009;124(6):1505–1512
Background
Adolescence is a common time for initiation of sexual activity and first exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STI), with risks of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and cervical cancer. Although community-based studies demonstrated high rates of STIs in specific adolescent populations, no large-scale data existed. This study aimed to gather data to inform prevention efforts.
Objectives
To measure prevalence of STIs in adolescent females in a representative US sample.
Methods
Prospective, observational study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large survey of the US population on health-related issues, from 2003 to 2004.
Patients
838 females ages 14 to 19. Select exclusion criteria: institutionalized individuals.
Intervention
Determination of STI prevalence (as detected in urine, serum, and vaginal swab specimens) in relation to age and sexual history, assessed through standard interview, physical examination, and sexual history.
