The Chlamydia cascade: enhanced STD prevention strategies for adolescents

Abstract

The rising trends in Chlamydia, the prevalence in the adolescent female population, and the relevance of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) continue to be a burden in the United States. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common cause of STDs is Chlamydia trachomatis, the infecting pathogen for Chlamydia, making this a worldwide health concern. The WHO also estimates that the disease burden for treating Chlamydia patients is $10 billion annually, with adolescent females in the urban setting exhibiting an incidence as high as 30%. This article will evaluate the magnitude of the problem in the adolescent female population. The latest trends in Chlamydia, the disease sequelae, and the current health statistics will be reviewed the research and evidence-based STD guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Preventive Task Force. Implications for clinical practice target the initiation of a primary intervention strategy through wellness care education. This wellness care plan includes sexual health promotion and STD prevention education for early adolescents approaching a highly vulnerable stage for contracting Chlamydia and STDs. Additional goals center on reinforcing STD awareness and the need for more STD prevention education in young adolescents. Finally, this article targets health care providers, educators and all other professionals who are engaged in caring for this select population.