2002 National STD Conference – Other Presentations/Findings of Interest

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Several conference presentations will explore regional and demographic trends in STDs. These findings help identify populations most impacted locally and direct prevention and treatment efforts where they are most needed.

Continued Signs of Concern Among MSM

In recent years, studies have found increases in STD infections and risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). Several presentations at this week’s conference point to a continuation in this trend, with studies indicating high levels of gonorrhea, syphilis and HPV, as well as co-infection with HIV, among MSM throughout the country. Together with past indications, these findings continue to point to the danger of a possible resurgence in the HIV epidemic in this population and the urgent need for expanded prevention efforts. Included in these presentations is a San Francisco study on “barebacking,” a high-risk behavior that, while found to be practiced by only a minority of MSM, may be contributing to the ongoing spread of STDs, including HIV.

Local Data Demonstrate Continuing Toll Among Young Women

Findings indicate high levels of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV among young women in several communities, especially in the South. High rates of chlamydia were identified among young African-American women in one study, while in a second study national data on gonorrhea prevalence suggest that many young women are dually infected with both chlamydia and gonorrhea. Because STDs can have serious consequences, especially for women, these data underscore an urgent need for expand STD prevention, screening, and treatment services in many areas.

Additional Data on Impact of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

New studies examine the impact and prevention of this non-curable STD, which continues to impact millions of Americans, many of whom are unaware of their infection.

Studies Examine Economic Benefits of STD Prevention

In addition to the human toll of STDs, these diseases result in millions of dollars in unnecessary treatment costs each year. Several conference presentations explore the cost-savings that could result from improved STD prevention and treatment programs: