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STD awareness slipping among Southerners by Heather Woolwine Public Relations Information obtained for this article came from the following sources: the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Social Health Association, and the National Institutes of Health. They’ve been described as embarrassing, sneaky, and even dirty.  Maybe that’s why the general population, while more aware of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), is still somewhat reluctant to take simple steps towards prevention and treatment of these diseases. Or maybe the general population isn’t as aware as we’d like to believe. The United States has the highest rate of STDs in the industrialized world, with two-thirds of all STDs occurring in people under the age of 25 and more than 15 million new cases reported each year. Of these cases, the Southern states carry the highest prevalence and as reported in 2000, South Carolina ranks number one for gonorrhea, number two for chlamydia, and number four for syphilis. April is National STD Awareness Month, and with the help of institutions like MUSC that support STD research and awareness on a constant basis, South Carolina’s statistics are beginning to see a downward trend in overall STD infection. And while this is a good thing, minority populations in the South suffering from STDs, including HIV/AIDS, aren’t experiencing the same trend. Indeed, an NIH report from December 2002 said minority males comprise 57 percent of male AIDS cases, minority females represent 78 percent of  female cases, and black children suffering from AIDS equal 59 percent of pediatric AIDS cases. Black men and women are not only disproportionately affected in AIDS cases, but also remain higher in gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and most other STD cases, with their infections rates reaching up to 20 times higher than whites. Some possible explanations for the discrepancies include minorities are traditionally poorer, have little to no access to quality health care, and do not receive as much sex education as their white counterparts. And Southern minorities are particularly affected.   A recent Associated Press article detailed a dramatic increase in the numbers of HIV positive minority males, as well as other STDs, on Southern college and university campuses.  The CDC suggests this increase may be the result of minority males engaging in unprotected homosexual and heterosexual behavior. The CDC further suggests that minority males may not admit homosexual behavior out of fear of ostracization and the influence of strong family and church backgrounds. Thus minorities, especially males, are less likely to receive medical treatment or testing for STDs and perpetuate the incidence in the population. But the silver lining to this dark cloud is that increased incidence of this “hidden epidemic” has led to increased education efforts on behalf of organizations like the CDC, NIH, and academic medical institutions to not only combat STDs in general, but the health disparities that accompany them. And while most would admit that sex education, preventive and “safe” sex measures, and better treatments and testing have led to better knowledge and understanding since the sexually transmitted disease revelations of the '70s and '80s, many would say there is still much work to be done. As with any behavior, the first step towards change is awareness.  STD Facts and Information There are more than 25 STDs, the most common including: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. Many STDs do not exhibit symptoms so it is very important to have regular check-ups with a physician. STDs cause numerous health problems in addition to infection. Some may lead to cancer, infertility, and even death. STDs cost the nation more than $10 billion annually. To reduce your risk of infection, wait to engage in sexual activity as long as possible, engage in monogamous sexual relationships, use condoms correctly for all types of sex, and use clean needles if you cannot stop drug use. Learn the signs of the most common STDs and check your and your partner’s body regularly. Avoid sex during menstruation, as this may increase susceptibility to HIV infection. Women should avoid douching because it removes protective bacteria.   Friday, April 16, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.