Public health experts in Pensacola say recent CDC figures showing that one in four US teen girls has an STD come as no surprise. But they also hope that the news offers parents and teens the opportunity to communicate about sex and avoid infection.
"I think you could say that the [age at] initiation of sexual activity over the past 20 years has decreased to the point that we are seeing children in the 10-to-14 age range coming into the clinic with STDs," said Dr. John Lanza, a pediatrician and director of the Escambia County Health Department.
In 2007, Escambia County reported 24 chlamydia cases and 20 gonorrhea cases among girls ages 10-14. For females ages 15-19, there were 441 chlamydia cases and 135 gonorrhea cases.
In Santa Rosa County, one case of chlamydia was reported in the 10-14 age group, while 17 cases were diagnosed in girls ages 15-19. Eleven gonorrhea cases were reported in the 15-19 age group.
Dr. Cecilia Gordon, medical director of the Santa Rosa County Health Department, said the CDC study can serve as a communication tool for parents. "It's definitely a lead-in to ask kids about how they feel about sex," she said.
In October, the Escambia County School District and Sacred Heart Hospital held "A Girls Night Out: A Mother-Daughter Talk on Adolescent Health." The event was such a success that organizers are planning a similar outreach for boys and their fathers.
"We like to support the relationship between the parent and child," said Karen Thoennes, health services director for Escambia schools. "With so much going on, this is a chance to address issues and bridge the relationship gap."
03/13/08
FLORIDA: Area Officials Hope STD Study Raises Awareness
Source: Pensacola News Journal:: Carmen Paige; Adam Ziglar; Courtesy of the CDC National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention