Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
 
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
Volume 36, Number 1, January/February 2004

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among American Youth: Incidence and Prevalence Estimates, 2000

By Hillard Weinstock, Stuart Berman and Willard Cates, Jr.

CONTEXT: In the United States, young people aged 15-24 represent 25% of the sexually experienced population. However, the incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among this age-group are unknown.

METHODS: Data from a variety of sources were used to estimate the incidence and prevalence of STDs among 15-24-year-olds in the United States in 2000. The quality and reliability of the estimates were categorized as good, fair or poor, depending on the quality of the data source.

RESULTS: Approximately 18.9 million new cases of STD occurred in 2000, of which 9.1 million (48%) were among persons aged 15-24. Three STDs (human papillomavirus, trichomoniasis and chlamydia) accounted for 88% of all new cases of STD among 15-24-year-olds.

CONCLUSIONS: These estimates emphasize the toll that STDs have on American youth. More representative data are needed to help monitor efforts at lowering the burden of these infections.

Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2004, 36(1):6-10

DOI:10.1363/3600604







 

 
 

Hillard Weinstock is medical epidemiologist, and Stuart Berman is chief of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, both at the Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. Willard Cates, Jr., is president, Institute for Family Health, Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.