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Lack of Awareness
Results in High STD Risk
(onlinedatingmagazine.com -
April 6, 2004) New survey results unveiled today by
the American Social Health Association (ASHA) -- an
organization dedicated to preventing sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) -- suggest that lack of awareness may
put Americans at risk for contracting STDs. While an
overwhelming majority surveyed (84 percent) felt that
they take the necessary precautions to protect themselves
against STDs, many people do not use protection on
a regular basis when they engage in sexual activities
(1). Furthermore, over half were unsure or had not
been vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
also known as vaccine-preventable hepatitis (VPH),
which are the only STDs that can be prevented through
immunization. It is important to note that hepatitis
C, which can also be sexually transmitted, cannot be
prevented via vaccination. The survey was conducted
to assess the sexual attitudes, behaviors and knowledge
of STDs of Americans aged 18-35 as part of an educational
initiative surrounding STD Awareness Month in April.
In addition, the survey showed some contrary findings
when it comes to what people think they know about
STDs. From a list of common conditions including heart
disease, diabetes and depression, Americans said they
felt the most knowledgeable about STDs. Interestingly,
they said they felt the least knowledgeable about viral
hepatitis, suggesting that Americans dissociate viral
hepatitis from STDs, with the two at opposite ends
of the awareness scale. In fact, a large number failed
to recognize that hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be
sexually transmitted.
"The findings in our survey are quite disturbing.
Despite the fact that STDs are extremely widespread
and have severe consequences, it is troubling that
there is such a large portion of people who still feel
invincible," noted James R. Allen, M.D., M.P.H,
president and chief executive officer of ASHA. "In
addition, people's lack of awareness about the various
STDs only underscores the need for continued education
to prevent the spread of these serious diseases."
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, which are a significant
burden on the economy, costing an estimated $8 billion
to diagnose and treat. And yet nearly 7 in 10 (68 percent)
of people surveyed are not concerned about contracting
an STD.
Viral Hepatitis: The Least Known STD
Regarding people's
knowledge of specific STDs, viral hepatitis ranked
the lowest (compared to HIV, herpes,
gonorrhea, and chlamydia). Alarmingly, many people
did not realize that hepatitis A and hepatitis B can
be sexually transmitted (57 percent and 44 percent,
respectively). In addition, about half did not know
that hepatitis A (55 percent) and hepatitis B (42 percent)
are vaccine-preventable. Nearly all (97 percent) people
knew that HIV can be sexually transmitted. However,
hepatitis B can be 100 times more contagious than HIV
and is more common, with more than 1.25 million people
living with hepatitis B in the United States. In fact,
1 out of every 20 people will acquire hepatitis B sometime
in their life, although many will be unaware of it
because the infection often doesn't cause any signs
or symptoms.
America Silent about STDs
One of the most disturbing
findings is that people are not communicating about
STDs, thereby putting themselves
unknowingly at risk for contracting and spreading diseases.
In the recent survey, the vast majority (93 percent)
believe their current or most recent partner didn't
have an STD, yet about 1 out of 3 people have never
discussed STDs with their partner. About half (53 percent)
said their partner had been tested. Beyond reluctance
to discuss STDs with their sex partners, respondents
also appeared hesitant to seek information from their
physicians. Despite the fact that nearly 70 percent
of people rely on healthcare providers for health information,
less than half of those surveyed have ever spoken to
their providers about STDs. Interestingly, among those
who are sexually active, the most common reason cited
for not talking to their doctor was that they didn't
feel they were at risk.
"For years we have known that perceived stigma
has been a barrier to discussion of STDs, and this
latest survey shows that people simply don't believe
they are at risk," says Dr. James R. Allen. "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, including
available vaccines."
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