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Impact of COVID-19 School Learning Model on STI Testing, Diagnosis Rates, and Related Behaviors
David A Katz1, Casey E Copen2, Sanjana Pampati3
1From the Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
|April 23, 2025
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic altered educational models, potentially affecting adolescent sexual behaviors and healthcare access.
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous research has not fully explored the link between virtual vs. in-person learning and adolescent sexual health outcomes during the pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of virtual versus in-person learning models on adolescent sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and diagnosis rates.
- To compare changes in sexual health outcomes between 2019 and 2021, correlating with different school learning modalities.
- To inform strategies for maintaining sexual health service accessibility for students.
Main Methods:
- A difference-in-differences (DID) approach was employed to analyze data from 2019-2021.
- Behavioral data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and STI diagnosis rates (chlamydia, gonorrhea) for 15-19-year-olds were utilized.
- Jurisdictions were categorized based on their primary high school learning model (virtual vs. in-person) for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Main Results:
- Virtual learning was associated with a significant increase in condom use (DID-OR = 1.42) compared to in-person learning.
- Virtual learning correlated with significant decreases in STI testing (DID-OR = 0.75), chlamydia diagnoses (DID-IRR = 0.86), and gonorrhea diagnoses (DID-IRR = 0.83).
- No significant associations were found for changes in sexual intercourse frequency, number of sexual partners, or substance use before sex.
Conclusions:
- Public health initiatives must ensure continued access to sexual health services for students, particularly during public health crises.
- Increased access to STI testing is vital for students, especially those engaged in virtual learning environments.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary to address potential disparities in sexual health outcomes related to school learning models.
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