Sexual Health PSA: STI Testing

This video was created as a class project for FCM 8420 Principles of Epidemiology and JOURN 7236/4326 Psychology of Advertising, Spring 2009 in order to address common misconceptions college students have about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Common misconceptions that college students have about STIs include that they will not be affected by STIs, that they will notice the symptoms of STIs, and that STI testing is included in routine exams like a Pap test or an annual checkup.1

People between the ages of 15-24 have the highest national rates of common STIs like Chlamydia (females 15-19: 3004.7 per 100,000; males 15-19: 615.0 per 100,000; females 20-24: 2948.8 per 100,000; males 20-24: 932.9 per 100,000) and Gonorrhea (females 15-19: 647.9 per 100,000; males 15-19: 286.0 per 100,000; females 20-24: 614.5 per 100,000; males 20-24: 450.1 per 100,000).2 In the state of Missouri, the prevalence rates for these diseases are higher than the national rates.3 Up to 45% of Gonorrhea cases and 77% of Chlamydia cases in sexually active women ages 13-19 present as asymptomatic (no visible signs or symptoms).4

STI testing is recommended for anyone under the age of 25 who has one or more of the following risk factors: having multiple current partners, having a new partner, using condoms inconsistently, having sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and having sex in exchange for money or drugs.5

If you think you could have been exposed to an STI, GET TESTED! Although using a condom decreases the risk of getting an STI, getting tested is the only way to be sure of your status. If left untreated, many STIs can eventually lead to serious health problems like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and infertility.1,6 Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these irreversible damages and save you time and money.

If you or your partner needs to get tested contact your local health department or Planned Parenthood. If you are a student at the University of Missouri-Columbia, you can contact:
Student Health Center 573-882-7481
Columbia-Boone County Health Department573-874-7356




References:
1. Sexual Health Advocate Peer Education. Sexually Transmitted Infections. http://studenthealth.missouri.edu/SHAPE/education.htm
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009) STDs in Adolescents and Young Adults. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats07/adol.htm
3. State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. (2006) Missouri vs National Case Rates. http://www.dhss.mo.gov/CommunicableDisease/STDmonational.pdf
4. Chacko, Mariam R., Smith, Peggy B., Wiemann, Constance M. (2004) Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening in Asymptomatic Young Women. Journal of Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 17:169-178.
5. Meyers, D., Wolff, T., Gregory, K., et al. USPSTF Recommendations for STI Screening. Originally published in Am Fam Physician 2008;77:819-824. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf08/methods/stinfections.htm
6. Chacko et al. (2008) Young womens perspective of the pros and cons to seeking screening for Chlamydia and gonorrhea: an exploratory study. Journal of Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 21:187-193.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• FCM8420
• Spring 2009

[shizzel122]

i was looking up subaru sti's not stds dammit!

[gravelandgrain100]

OMG! This crazy, I didn't go to school at MU but 2 of my boyfriends did. And one of them told me after sleeping with me three times, that one of his partners had HIV!!! This was many years ago, but I had to be tested once and then twice a few years after.

Columbia MO is a great college town, but I never realized how high it's STI rates were. But then again you want to fu ck anyone after your 6th drink and a great song gets going.

[TessKelly2010]

ahi really need to find somebody who clicks with me

[2000yrCatholic]

Abstinence is the best way to protect

against STD's.

Repent.

[jwinkler3]

Good Advice!