Epidemiology: Teens & Chlamydia Epidemiological Essay

Recent estimates suggest that while representing 25% of the ever sexually active population, 15 to 24 years of age acquire nearly half of all new STD" (Special focus profiles: Adolescents and young adults, 2007, Surveillance 2006: CDC).

Explained the type of epidemiology used

While most of the data compiled is based upon statistical evidence from clinics and hospitals, in addition to this analytical methodology, research indicates in a descriptive fashion that teenage girls are particularly at risk as well because of physical reasons: "the greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because the cervix (opening to the uterus) of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured and is probably more susceptible to infection, they are at particularly high risk for infection if sexually active" (Special focus profiles: Adolescents and young adults, 2007, Surveillance 2006: CDC). Men who engage in unprotected intercourse with other men may be at risk because of the physical nature of their intercourse. Men or women who have receptive anal intercourse may acquire anal chlamydial infection and chlamydia can also be found in the throats of women and men having oral sex with an infected partner (Special focus profiles: Adolescents and young adults, 2007, Surveillance 2006: CDC).

Describe the relationship of the disease to various levels of prevention

Above all, prevention requires a combined strategy of prevention, availability of health care and screening and proper treatment. Improving teen education, particularly about teens' greater risk of contracting the ailment and the health consequences of doing so is vital to preventing the spread of chlamydia. Although young girls appear to be more at risk, educating boys is also a vital component of stopping the illness, as they may infect their female partners and be less motivated or aware of the consequences of the disease to themselves and to their partners.

Works Cited

Chlamydia. (2007). Surveillance 2006. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Retrieved January 9, 2009 at http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/chlamydia.htm

Chlamydia - CDC Fact Sheet. (2007). CDC. Retrieved January 9, 2009 at http://www.cdc.gov/std/Chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm#Common

Epidemiological triangle. Retrieved January 9, 2009 at http://w3.salemstate.edu/~bporemba/epi99/sld047.htm

Special focus profiles: Adolescents and young adults. (2007). Surveillance 2006. Centers…