Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Childhood sexually transmitted diseases: one consequence of sexual abuse
1University of Texas at Arlington, Bedford 76095-8811.
Insights
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in children are often linked to sexual abuse. Healthcare providers should screen for both STDs and abuse in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited research addresses the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in prepubertal children.
- Existing literature predominantly focuses on adult STD cases, neglecting the unique challenges in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- This article examines childhood STDs resulting from sexual abuse.
- It highlights common STDs in children aged 1-12, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, genital herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, and HIV/AIDS.
Findings:
- Childhood STDs are frequently indicators of sexual abuse.
- Nurses play a crucial role in identifying STDs in child abuse victims and sexual abuse in STD-diagnosed children.
Implications:
- Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, require specific protocols for assessing and interviewing child sexual abuse victims.
- Early identification and intervention are critical for the health and well-being of pediatric STD patients.
Abstract:
Numerous sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of both viral and bacterial origin exist. Nursing and medical literature typically focuses on adults with STD, with vague regard for the epidemiology of STD among prepubertal children. This article focuses on childhood sexually transmitted disease as a consequence of sexual abuse. Nurses are encouraged, however, to assess both for STDs among child victims of sexual abuse and for sexual abuse among child victims of STDs. Some of the more common sexually transmitted diseases among adults, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachmatis, Treponema pallidum, genital herpes simplex Virus, human papillomavirus and HIV/AIDS are discussed as they occur in children between the ages of 1 and 12 years. Suggestions are provided for nurses regarding assessment and protocols (interviews and examinations) and interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Sex Linked Disorders
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Genital Herpes
Amebiasis
Trichomoniasis

