Health objectives for the nation: progress toward achieving the 1990 objectives for the nation for sexually transmitted diseases

Article Abstract:

In 1979, the Centers for Disease Control established national health objectives to be met by 1990. Five priorities for reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases were identified at this time; the progress that has been made towards these objectives is reviewed through 1988. These five areas include syphilis, gonorrhea, gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease, health care provider proficiency, and student awareness. Reductions in the rate of syphilis have not been sufficient to meet the goal of no more than 7 cases per 100,000 people per year; the rates initially began to drop in the early 1980s, but since then have begun to rise again. The objective set for reducing gonorrhea to 280 cases per 100,000 seems to be within reach, but concerns persist regarding the increase in the number of gonococcal strains resistant to treatment, the slow decline of gonorrhea among teenagers, and the stability of rates among blacks. Reduction of gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease to 60 cases out of 100,000 women will probably be met by 1990. The last two objectives, adequate education for health care providers and for students, are not excepted to be met by 1990. An editorial note is included from the Centers for Disease Control which points out that these objectives were developed prior to the impact of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), another sexually transmitted disease. Another factor that has developed since these objectives were formulated is the change in sexual behaviors in response to AIDS. Also, the higher incidence of syphilis may be due to the increased use of 'crack' cocaine, as users frequently exchange sex for drugs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexually transmitted diseases, United States, Management, Prevention, Public health, Sexually transmitted disease prevention, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

---

Adolescents and condom use

Article Abstract:

Using condoms may be an effective method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, but teenagers use them infrequently and inconsistently. A 1988 survey showed that 57% of teenage boys and 33% of teenage girls used condoms. Another study showed that one-third of young gay men had anal intercourse without condoms. Teenagers with other health-risk behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol, are less likely to use condoms. Teenagers have various reasons for not using condoms. These include not recognizing the disease-prevention benefits of condoms, lack of communication between sex partners, discomfort or inconvenience and a feeling that their sex partners are 'safe.' Strategies for increasing condom use among teenagers include developing more relevant safe-sex education and increasing the availability of condoms.

Sexual behavior, Usage, Teenagers, Condoms, Teenage sexual behavior

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Old enemies: combating syphilis and gonorrhea in the 1990s. Progress toward achieving the 1990 objectives for the nation for sexually transmitted diseases
• Abstracts: Patient autonomy and the bad result. Understanding the value of teeth to older adults: influences on the quality of life
• Abstracts: Infraclinical neuropathies related to immunodeficiency virus infection associated with higher T-helper cell counts
• Abstracts: Considerations in the selection of end points for AIDS clinical trials. Medical Research Council AIDS directed program: program plan and research opportunities
• Abstracts: Perinatal outcome of infants exposed to cocaine and/or heroin in utero. Unsuspected cocaine exposure in young children

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.