New study reveals staggering STD statistics
Rachel Gull/Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: News
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Rita Audlehelm, director of health services, read the article about the study soon after it came out.
"I was shocked by this study," Audlehelm said, "I am definitely not na've about sexual activity, but I was still shocked."
Freshman Anna Holley is a member of Sophia, a group on campus that focuses on women's issues.
"I think this is not only scary but also disappointing," Holley said. "Clearly there is a lack of awareness and education among young adults about this very serious matter."
Although the findings are quite upsetting, Audlehelm cautions readers against panicking or jumping to conclusions.
"Whenever people see a study like this, they need to know who did the research, what group was studied and how researchers arrived at their conclusions," Audlehelm said. "When people look at data that seems so scary, they should not panic. Instead, they should take the information and learn from it."
This particular study was conducted by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a 2003-2004 government health survey. 838 teenage girls between the ages of 14 and 19 participated in the study, and analysts believe that the group is a valid representation of teenage girls currently living in the United States.
In the study, girls were tested for four infections; human papillomavirus, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and herpes.
Although this study deals only with women, STD's are not just a female problem. According to the American Social Health Association, 65 million people currently living in the United States have an STD, and over 19 million new cases are added each year.
With figures like this, it is easy to panic, but steps are being taken, even here at Simpson, to prevent the spread of STD's.
The primary focus of STD prevention on Simpson's campus is education. Audlehelm works to get information out about sexual health and reproductive health at every opportunity, for instance, when the campus has wellness promotions.
Although the campus can perform no screenings here, Audlehelm is available to help with recognizing symptoms. She can also help students get appointments with private clinics, Planned Parenthood, or the Warren County Department of Public Health. These alternate locations are readily equipped to diagnose and treat many STD's.
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