Teenagers are at higher risk for
sexually transmitted diseases (
STDs) than any other age group, for a variety of reasons. The risk for exposure to
STDs among adolescents is determined by sociodemographic, environmental, psychosocial, behavioral and
biologic factors. These factors are complex, interrelated, and often poorly understood by health professionals caring for adolescents.
Infections of young adults have their most serious consequences later in life. There is a need for youth to change their behaviors now to avoid future sequelae. These sequelae include PID, tubal
infertility,
ectopic pregnancy, genital
neoplasia,
AIDS, and neurologic complications. Educational and prevention strategies are essential for decreasing the high incidence of
STDs in adolescents. Not all
STDs are readily cured by
antibiotics, and because many adolescents are asymptomatic, many
STDs initially go undetected and untreated. There is a need for innovative psychosocial and behavioral prevention programs to be developed and implemented to reach all adolescents. Such programs should provide immediate, sustained, and cost-effective care that will effect a positive change in adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions, and prevent or modify behaviors that place them at risk. Prevention efforts need to address the entire spectrum of STD care, including behavioral, clinical, educational, and promotional activities. Use of
role playing, peer-led rehearsal of simulated risky situations, didactics, and skills building are important, as is a theoretical approach (Social Learning Theory, the Health Belief Model, Value Expectancy Theory, and principles of behavior change counseling).