Sexually Transmitted Infections Among California Youth: Estimated Incidence and Direct Medical Cost is our site of the day

A study just published in the "California Journal of Health Promotion" shows that there is an epidemic of STDs--sexually transmitted diseases--that has profound implications for legislation on the Governor's desk that is being vigorously opposed by the religious right in this state. As you read this study, you may also want to look about what we had to say about SB 94 (Kuehl) Family Planning Services Bill on Governor Schwarzenegger's Desk--"One of the Most Important of the Year"--The Cost of Doing Nothing is Too High" two weeks ago.

"Sexually Transmitted Infections Among California Youth: Estimated Incidence and Direct Medical Cost" is a 12 page report by researchers of the Oakland based Public Health Institute’s (PHI) Center for Research on Adolescent Health and Development.

Here is just a little of what you will learn if you read this science based article:

• The new cases and associated medical costs of eight major STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis and HIV) among 15 to 24-year-olds ranged from a low of 82 cases in Alpine and Sierra counties, at a cost of $38,000, to a high of 360,000 cases in Los Angeles County, at a cost of $390 million.

• "The estimated number of new cases and their associated costs illustrate that the STD epidemic among California youth remains largely hidden. This epidemic is like an iceberg — what you see is just a small part of what you have," said Dr. Petra Jerman, PHI scientist.

"The estimated number of new cases and their associated costs illustrate that the STD epidemic among California youth remains largely hidden. This epidemic is like an iceberg — what you see is just a small part of what you have," said Dr. Petra Jerman, PHI scientist.

According to Jerman, state and county policymakers can use this new information in reassessing the adequacy of current resources to prevent STDs among California's youth.

The study, including complete charts and background material on STDs, can be found at teenbirths.phi.org.

The Public Health Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization. The study was funded by a grant from The California Wellness Foundation.