Disturbing Trends
Disturbing trends in adolescent sexual health
Several recent Centers for Disease Control studies show that teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are on the rise, while condom use has declined. In December 2007 the CDC reported that for the first time since 1991, the teen birth rate rose in 2006. Data show that among teenagers aged 15-19 years old, there was a three percent rise from 2005 to 2006, with 41.9 births per 1,000. While a one year increase does not signify a trend, this information is disturbing when coupled with recent risk assessments. In March, the CDC released study results that found an estimated “One in four (26 percent) young women between the ages of 14 and 19 in the United States—or 3.2 million teenage girls—is infected with at least one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, herpes simplex virus, and trichomoniasis).” In June the results of the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey were released by the CDC. This study revealed that 1 in 3 high school students are sexually active and that only 61 percent of teens use a condom—a slight decrease from the last two years.
You can help make a difference in the sexual health of teens that you know. Below is a list of resources to help promote adolescent sexual health. Select sources to match your child’s age and knowledge level as well as your personal values.
Links
Advocates for Youth www.advocatesforyouth.org
Minnesota Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention, and Parenting www.moappp.org
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States www.sexedlibrary.org
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