Topic 3

Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Overview: While HIV/AIDS receives considerable publicity and attention, other sexually transmitted diseases can be just as problematic, and if untreated, deadly as well. In addition, many STDs that were thought to be under control or experienced significant reductions have reappeared due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In addition, these diseases have returned in stronger forms due to drug resistance.

This section examines the epidemiology of other STDs in the United States (See WHO for reports from other countries). While not as immediately fatal as HIV, the risk factors of these diseases are the same as HIV. Thus, individuals with STDs may have HIV as well.

Although there are many STDs, I will focus on the following:

	Chlamydia
	Gonorrhea
	Syphilis
	HPV

Goals: This section is designed to provide you with information related to the prevalence of STDs, and how they have impacted different population groups.

Objectives: Through reviews of websites and papers you will learn how STD prevalence has changed over time and among different population groups.

Outcomes: Show how the epidemiology of STDs has changed across population groups throughout the world.

Required Readings
There are no required readings for this section except for what is listed in the Tasks section

Tasks:

1. Again, we will begin with the CDC web site for data and reports. First, examine the slide sets of the STDs listed above at the following web site. Then provide a brief summary of any slides that had an impact on you. Finally, provide a summary of your overall impression of these STDs. Share your thoughts about these issues with your classmates in the on-line discussion for this topic.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats

Again, I have enclosed a web site that may be of interest.

http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/research.htm

2. Once you have reviewed national statistics, review the following website for Idaho statistics. Compare the national statistics with Idaho statistics. Then, write one reaction paper comparing these groups. Why do you believe there are differences? Send the paper to the instructor by email (please do not send as attachment).

http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/DesktopModules/ArticlesSortable/ArticlesSrtView.aspx?tabID=0&ItemID=1299&mid=11117

I have also enclosed a web site that may be of interest

http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/portal/alias__Rainbow/lang__en-US/tabID__3563/DesktopDefault.aspx

Resources:

You can also get information about STDs from the world Health Organization.

Discussion