False sense of security among young Americans

Lack of awareness and a false sense of security may be putting young Americans at risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to a new survey by the American Social Health Association (ASHA).

One in every four Americans will contract an STD sometime in their lifetime. In 2000 alone, there were more than 18.9 million new infections. In order to gain a better understanding of the background to this situation, ASHA conducted an online survey of 1,150 Americans aged 18-35 during the period 3-8 March 2004 and launched the findings to coincide with STD Awareness month in April 2004. The results were sometimes contradictory. From a list of common health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and depression, those surveyed said they felt most knowledgeable about STDs. However, this apparent confidence is not reflected in their behaviour. While an overwhelming majority of those surveyed (84%) felt that they take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against STDs, the survey reveals that many people do not regularly use protection when they engage in sexual activity (45% fail to use protection during vaginal intercourse and 66% during anal intercourse).

One of the most disturbing findings is that people are reluctant to discuss STDs, thereby increasing the risk of potentially contracting, and also spreading, an infection. 93% believed that their current or most recent partner did not have an STD and yet about one in three had never discussed this issue with their partner and only just over half (53%) said that their partner had been tested. This reticence to discuss STDs appears to extend to healthcare providers. Despite the fact that nearly 70% of those surveyed rely on healthcare providers for health information, less than half had ever spoken to their doctor about STDs. Among those who were sexually active, the most common reason cited for not talking to their healthcare provider was that they did not perceive themselves to be at risk: 68% of those surveyed were not concerned about contracting an STD.

Dr James R Allen, President and Chief Executive of ASHA comments: "This false sense of security is problematic as it can lead to exposure to serious, incurable diseases. We encourage everyone to speak to their providers about ways to protect themselves from these infections."

Reference:

American Social Health Association, April 2004.