Sexually transmitted diseases and risk factors in adolescent and young girls: data from a youth attendance center

Authors

  • Maria Isabel Sá Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Maria Teresa Silva Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Daniela Almeida Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Bruna Vieira Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Tânia Lima Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Cidália Conde Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Marcília Teixeira Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Joana Lima Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto
  • Teresa Oliveira Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Department of Women and Medicine reproductive, Centro Hospitalar do Porto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v24.i2.8560

Keywords:

adolescents, youth, risk factors, sexually transmitted diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have a high prevalence during adolescents and young adults, being associated with significant morbidity.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of STDs in a group of young girls and to evaluate which factors are associated with higher risk of STDs.

Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study including 100 young girls under 27 years, divided in two subgroups: asymptomatic and with gynecologic symptoms. We collected demographic and clinical variables, vaginal and cervical swabs for Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and collected blood samples for Hepatitis B and C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Syphilis and Herpes simplex type 2virus serologic tests. Significant associations between variables (p<0.05) were identified by chi-square test.

Results: We found evidence of at least one STD in 16% of the sample. The results were: Trichomonas 1%, Chlamydia 7%, Neisseria 1%, Syphilis 1% and Herpes simplex type 2 12%. More than 5 sexual partners and cervical ectopy were associated with increased risk of laboratorial evidence of at least one STD (p=0.009 and p=0.006 respectively).

Conclusions: Prevalence of STDs justifies the continued investment in young girls education towards the delay of onset of sexual intercourse and the consistent use of condom. Physicians taking care of adolescents must be aware of the importance of STD screening and treatmen,t so its late complications might be avoided.

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Published

2015-06-15

How to Cite

1.
Sá MI, Silva MT, Almeida D, Vieira B, Lima T, Conde C, Teixeira M, Lima J, Oliveira T. Sexually transmitted diseases and risk factors in adolescent and young girls: data from a youth attendance center. REVNEC [Internet]. 2015Jun.15 [cited 2024Jul.18];24(2):64-9. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/nascercrescer/article/view/8560

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2015)

Section

Original Articles

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