Sexually Transmitted Infections at a Health Clinic Serving Older Adolescents and Young Adults: An Analysis of...

Young adults aged 18 to 24 face increased risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reduced access to healthcare as they transition into adulthood and assume responsibility for their health. Furthermore, racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual minority young adults are at an increased risk for STIs and are less likely to have health insurance. This study evaluates the demographics of young adults undergoing STI and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing at a sexual health clinic, and the impact of healthcare access and insurance status on the likelihood of STI diagnosis and treatment.

Data were collected between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023, for all patients aged 18 to 24 presenting to a community-based clinic for youth ages 13 to 24 offering free STI and HIV testing and other low-cost sexual health services. Data analysis included test results for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV.

Demographics of patients testing positive for STIs were similar to those seen nationally in the United States for this age group, apart from syphilis; however, overall infection rates were higher. Those who receive healthcare outside of the clinic were less likely to test positive for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Patients who visited the clinic before were less likely to test positive for chlamydia, while those who had not been seen before were more likely to test positive.

Access to care, either at our clinic or elsewhere, may be associated with better screening or proactive preventative care, which could reduce the likelihood of testing positive for STIs in young adult populations.