Adolescent sexuality, STI’s and HPV

Abstract

Adolescence refers to the transitional phase of physical and psychological development that occurs from puberty to adulthood. This phase includes a desire for autonomy and an increase in sexual risk-taking behaviours, making adolescents particularly vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases. The Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance Systems trend from 1991 to 2015 reports a decrease in the rate of sexual activity from 54% to 41% and the rate of sex with more than four partners from 19% to 12%.1,2 In the United States, approximately 5 to 10% of teens identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.3,4 Youth from 15 to 24 years of age account for a disproportionate number of new sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and approximately 25% of sexually active adolescent females have had a sexually transmitted infection.5,6 In South Africa young women between the ages of 15 and 24 years made up 37% of new HIV infections in 2016.7 Improvement of adolescent sexual behaviour should be one of the primary goals of the 21st century. This includes providing protection from sexually transmitted diseases, improvement of contraception compliance and the correct use of mass media. South Africa’s commitment to this is shown in one of the millennium development goals to combat HIV and other diseases. The World Health Organization also identifies adolescent health as a worldwide priority