PH10-4-Public Health Communications

History of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Primary prevention is extremely important when discussing STDs because this type of prevention is sometimes the only way to stop an infection (Kisling & Das, 2020). Condom usage is a necessary method in preventing the spread of STDs as they stop bodily fluid that would infect a partner from entering the body (United States Agency for International Development [USAID], 2015). If used correctly, it can be up to 90% effective (USAID, 2015). For those who live high-risk lifestyles and are more likely to be infected with HIV, the pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP, should be taken on a regular basis (CDC, 2020b). PrEP is a daily pill that blocks HIV infection by stopping it on a cellular level (CDC, 2020b). Studies have shown that it is 99% effective against STD infections (CDC, 2020b).

Secondary and tertiary prevention are interconnected for STDs in some ways (Kisling & Das, 2020). The secondary prevention portion involves those who are sexually active to have routine screenings performed to make sure they detect any infections as early as possible (CDC, 2019). The earlier that an STD is detected the less likely serious symptoms and long-term issues will occur and more likely a cure can be given (CDC, 2019). This is where the tertiary prevention comes into play depending on the outcomes of the severity of the disease and what stage it is in (Kisling & Das, 2020). For example, a person who has been detected in the early stages of HIV could start treatment immediately and have a better chance of living a healthier life undetectable than if they were detected at a later time (CDC, 2020a). Tertiary prevention works to make the best possible life for the patients by reducing the symptoms of the disease (Kisling & Das, 2020).

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention

Role of Health Professionals

Globalization has had a huge effect on the rates of STDs throughout the years (Shahmanesh, Shahmanesh, & Miller, 2000). Those living low socioeconomic or high-risk lifestyles often have a higher rate of STDs which continues to increase (Shahmanesh et al., 2000). As more people travel throughout the world and it becomes common to do so, STDs are passed between partners who are sexually active as they travel (Shahmanesh et al., 2000). This also causes the organisms to spread throughout the regions and for any evolution of them to occur. This mutation creates strains of the organisms that become resistant to certain common treatment methods present in the area and can make it difficult to cure patients. The more resistance that occurs in STDs makes it even more important to focus on prevention with STDs and globalization.

Impact of Globalization

It is important to explain that sexual behaviors must change in order to prevent STD infection (Boyer et al., 2018; Vega & Ghanem, 2007). Marketing campaigns that educate the public through health professional presentations, advertisements such as billboards and pamphlets, and classes that can be taken online have been provided in recent years but still the STD rates rise (CDC, 2019). Adolescents and young adults make up the highest number of those who getting new infections of STDs so effective communication to them is vital (Boyer et al., 2018; CDC, 2019). Currently, social media is the major form of communication for this age range (book). Public health professionals need to look at this as an outlet for awareness and education about the dangers of STDs and how to prevent them (Vega & Ghanem,

Environmental Factors