Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major health problem among young adults in the U.S. Little information is available, however, regarding young people's knowledge of detection measures. To help fill this gap, we report on a study of STD awareness among young adults in 2 high-risk urban communities.
Methods: The study is based on a street survey of 250 young adults age 15-30 in 2 predominantly African-American low-income communities in New York City. Both communities experience gonorrhea and chlamydia rates that are 2.0 and 1.5 times higher, respectively, than citywide rates. A structured sampling method was employed to select locations for interviews, assuring coverage across geographic areas and high frequency of young adults. The survey included 7 true-false items focusing on knowledge of STD detection and sequelae.
Findings: Seven percent of the sample responded correctly on all 7 items; 39% got fewer than half correct. Less than half was aware that STDs can be asymptomatic. Increasing age was associated with more accurate knowledge: people under age 25 were less likely to know that urine screening tests were available, that gonorrhea and chlamydia were common among young people in the community, and that STDs could result in infertility. No differences were found by gender.
Conclusions: Knowledge of STD detection methods and health effects was low among young adults in 2 high-risk communities. Community health promotion efforts need to target young adults, particularly those under age 25, to raise awareness of the need for screening and the consequences of untreated illness.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1) identify the level of awareness of STDs among young adults in 2 urban communities and 2) assess the implications of level of STD awareness for planning health promotion programs.
Keywords: Community Education, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.