H. Naccache et al., INCIDENCE OF SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG COLLEGE-STUDENTS, CMAJ. Canadian Medical Association journal, 148(11), 1993, pp. 1937-1940
Objective: To estimate the incidence rate of sexually transmitted dise
ases (STDs) among university students and evaluate the associated soci
odemographic factors. Design: Mail survey in April 1990. Included in t
he questionnaire were questions about the subjects' STD experience sin
ce their admission to the university and the type and date of the infe
ction. Subjects: Of the 19 682 undergraduate students 2920 subjects, i
n 10 groups of 292, were randomly selected. A total of 1731 (59.4%) co
mpleted the questionnaire. Main outcome measures: Estimated annualized
incidence rates of genital human papillomavirus infection and Chlamyd
ia infection. Results: The estimated annualized incidence rates of gen
ital human papillomavirus and Chlamydia infections were 2.2% and 1.5%
respectively. Among the students who indicated being infected with gen
ital human papillomavirus 59% were 18 to 21 years old (p < 0.05), 76%
were women (p < 0.01) and 69% had more than one sexual partner (p < 0.
01). No statistically significant associations were observed between a
ge, sex and Chlamydia infection. On the other hand, 95% of the cases o
f Chlamydia infection were found among those who had more than one sex
ual partner (p < 0.01). Conclusion: University students continue to ha
ve sexual activities at risk for STDs and should be specifically targe
tted by general practitioners and health services in an effort to slow
the spread of STDs.