Abstract

SA, Maria Isabel et al. Sexually transmitted diseases and risk factors in adolescent and young girls: data from a youth attendance center. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2015, vol.24, n.2, pp.64-69. ISSN 0872-0754.

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 justifi  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.

Keywords : adolescents; youth; risk factors; sexually transmitted diseases.

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