Social issues linked to rise in STDs

Drug use linked to spread of STDs
Substance abuse is another issue believed to have an important impact on risk perception and STDs. The association comes primarily because misuse of substances often leads to unwise decisions regarding health consequences, sexual risk and long-term health care, says Morris.

Substances are also used as a way to escape the realities of STDs and other risky behavior.  Dr. Paul Chambliss, a general practitioner and HIV/AIDS expert in New York, says some new theories suggest that substances such as crystal meth are purposely taken to impair one’s judgment and to subvert the guilt often associated with unprotected sex. “There’s an interesting theory that … you take the drug that will allow you to do the things you want to do.”

Vanable agrees saying, “social circumstances or baseline level of function makes long-term safer sex practices more challenging.” Vanable adds that when individuals are depressed or vulnerable to various social difficulties, their health often becomes a distant concern in light of their needs for a sense happiness, love and affection, or validation.

“Sometimes people mistakenly equate sex with love,” says Morris. “And sometimes people from dysfunctional families may have a void they feel they can only fill through sex.”          

Chambliss says studies and programs that simply pass out condoms are ignoring crucial issues and should pay more attention to these underlying factors.

Social issues and behavioral change
“The way we talk about sex in this country reflects our history. It is often used politically as a wedge issue,” Carey says. “We have a societal reluctance to discuss sex. And when we do talk about it, we talk about it in a moral way versus as a health issue.” 

Referring to people such as Pope and Smith, Carey says that when individuals do not think of sex as a health risk, it opens them up to behaviors that may have a significant negative impact down the road.

These behaviors compounded with social problems significantly impact sexual behaviors and can determine whether people will protect themselves now, Morris says. “You have to understand how all of these issues work together.”

As people cope with drug addiction, poverty and emotional well-being, they do not always focus on their health and the negative consequences of their actions. This is where the government has failed and will continue to lose the battle against STDS, says Morris.

“Without addressing the social issues associated with risky behavior, individuals will continue to act irresponsibly.”

MORE FROM SEXUAL HEALTH

Sexual health Section Front

Web site: Bankers seeking recession affairs Shocking treatment helps erectile dysfunction Sex infections still rising, especially in teens Genetic love match? Dating sites try DNA tests Vicarious thrill: He wants her to be hit on Dangerous liaisons: Why we find vampires sexy When she earns more, he aims to please FDA approves Glaxo's cervical cancer vaccine FDA approves Merck's Gardasil for boys For women, sex and happiness go together Sexual health Section Front   Add Sexual health headlines to your news reader: