Document Type
Poster Session
Department
Muskie School of Public Service
Faculty Mentor
Brenda Joly, PhD
Abstract
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant public health concern and can cause lasting health problems if left untreated. Recognizing changes in STD prevalence is important to ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated for screening and prevention efforts. This study looked at trends in reported STD rates in Maine and the US over a 10 year period (2007-2017) that has seen rising prevalence nationwide. Methods: Data from Maine and national data on the rates of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were analyzed and compared. Percent changes were calculated for each STD over the time period. Data came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STD Surveillance reports, which present data on nationally notifiable STDs. Results: Maine and the US saw increases in reported cases per 100,000 population of all three STDs from 2007 to 2017. In Maine, cases of chlamydia rose from 192.3 to 342.1 (+77.9%); gonorrhea from 8.9 to 46.6 (+423.6%); and primary and secondary syphilis from 0.7 to 4.9 (+600.0%). Nationally, chlamydia increased from 370.2 to 528.8 (+42.8%); gonorrhea from 118.9 to 171.9 (+44.6%); and syphilis from 3.8 to 9.5 (+150.0%). Conclusion: Reported STD rates in Maine are lower than national averages, but percent increases in Maine have outpaced national trends, underscoring the need for adequate screening and education. Maine should make every effort to fund these services and strengthen prevention efforts among vulnerable populations.
Open Access?
1
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Trends in Maine and the US
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant public health concern and can cause lasting health problems if left untreated. Recognizing changes in STD prevalence is important to ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated for screening and prevention efforts. This study looked at trends in reported STD rates in Maine and the US over a 10 year period (2007-2017) that has seen rising prevalence nationwide. Methods: Data from Maine and national data on the rates of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were analyzed and compared. Percent changes were calculated for each STD over the time period. Data came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STD Surveillance reports, which present data on nationally notifiable STDs. Results: Maine and the US saw increases in reported cases per 100,000 population of all three STDs from 2007 to 2017. In Maine, cases of chlamydia rose from 192.3 to 342.1 (+77.9%); gonorrhea from 8.9 to 46.6 (+423.6%); and primary and secondary syphilis from 0.7 to 4.9 (+600.0%). Nationally, chlamydia increased from 370.2 to 528.8 (+42.8%); gonorrhea from 118.9 to 171.9 (+44.6%); and syphilis from 3.8 to 9.5 (+150.0%). Conclusion: Reported STD rates in Maine are lower than national averages, but percent increases in Maine have outpaced national trends, underscoring the need for adequate screening and education. Maine should make every effort to fund these services and strengthen prevention efforts among vulnerable populations.
