Sexually Transmitted Infections in adolescents and young adults: a growing public health challenge

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a major global public health challenge, particularly among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years, who account for a disproportionate share of incident infections worldwide.

We conducted a narrative review of the literature, synthesizing recent epidemiological data, risk factors, and prevention strategies related to STIs in adolescents and young adults. Relevant articles were identified through major scientific databases and international surveillance reports.

This narrative review summarizes current epidemiological trends, risk factors, and prevention strategies related to STIs in young populations. The global burden of both bacterial infections, such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum, and viral infections, including HIV, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus, remains high in this age group. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable due to a complex interaction of biological susceptibility, behavioral factors, and structural determinants such as limited access to sexual health services, stigma, and inadequate sexual health education. Specific subpopulations, including men who have sex with men, transgender youth, and young sex workers, experience markedly higher STI prevalence and incidence. A key challenge in STI control among young people is the high prevalence of asymptomatic infections, which substantially limits syndromic management and underscores the importance of systematic screening strategies. Evidence-based prevention approaches include vaccination, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, behavioral interventions, expanded screening programs, and youth-friendly healthcare services. Addressing the STI burden in young populations requires integrated public health strategies that combine biomedical interventions with efforts to reduce social and structural inequities influencing sexual health outcomes.

Reducing the burden of STIs in adolescents and young adults requires integrated, multi-level strategies combining prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable access to youth-friendly healthcare services, alongside targeted interventions addressing the specific needs of high-risk populations.