Sexually transmitted infections, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2010-2018

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Military Medicine

Background:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a significant health concern within military populations.
• Understanding STI incidence trends is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the incidence rates of the five most common STIs among active U.S. Armed Forces service members.
• To analyze demographic and military-specific factors associated with higher STI incidence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of STI incidence data from active component service members.
• Surveillance period: 2010-2018.
• Categorization of STIs by infection type and demographic variables.

Main Results:

• Chlamydia was the most frequent STI, followed by genital human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, genital herpes simplex virus (HSV), and syphilis.
• Women exhibited higher rates for all STIs except syphilis.
• Younger, non-Hispanic Black, enlisted, and soldier demographics showed elevated STI incidence.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea incidence rose, while genital HPV and HSV decreased.
• Syphilis rates increased in males but remained stable in females.

Conclusions:

• STI incidence varies significantly across demographic groups within the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Specific STIs show contrasting trends, with increases in chlamydia and gonorrhea, and decreases in HPV and HSV.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored public health interventions to address STI disparities in military personnel.