Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Reaction Paper Example

Introduction

Sexually transmitted diseases are common throughout society and present in many different ways. Patients with STDs come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds and often possess at-risk behaviors that contribute to the frequency of these events. These factors are challenging because they convey the importance of new approaches to manage different population groups with STDs who exhibit these behaviors. Health determinants in some groups are challenging because they affect a large number of people and demonstrate a level of challenge for the status quo that impacts their overall health and wellbeing in different ways.

Analysis

Health determinants in younger patients, for example, are modifiable because they involve risky behaviors that could be modified, such as the use of condoms (Mottus et.al, 2012). These factors also include personality characteristics that could impact how patients engage in sexual behaviors that may be risky in nature (Mottus et.al, 2012). It is also evident that patients who exhibit high risk behaviors often possess other attributes that should not be ignored and that require further consideration and evaluation, such as unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners (Mottus et.al, 2012). In addition, alcohol use and abuse are a determining factor, which is also preventable (Mottus et.al, 2012).

Young males from disadvantaged populations often develop STDs more frequently, which may be attributed to lack of knowledge regarding high risk behaviors and a limited understanding of how these risks may be attributed to STDs (Dariotis et.al, 2011). Therefore, health disparities play an important role in the diagnosis of STDs and have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of male African Americans and Latinos (Dariotis et.al, 2011). From this perspective, it is important to identify specific resources that are available to support these populations and to demonstrate an effective understanding of key principles that impact these individuals who present with STDs (Dariotis et.al, 2011).

The challenges of treating minority patients with STDs, or those from rural areas, for example, often involves a lack of knowledge regarding the necessary treatments, and the impact of STDs on future sexual activities, which may in turn, spread these diseases to other partners (Kelly, 2011). Prevention of STDs through the use of condoms, in addition to substance abuse treatment, as required, must be considered as part of the larger picture with respect to developing effective outcomes related to STDs and their future prevention (Kelly, 2011).

Finally, sexual minorities who present with STDs, including lesbians, face a high degree of risk due to lack of knowledge and awareness of their own risks (Kaestle & Waller, 2011). This group requires significant education and/or teaching moments, whereby there is a greater sense of accomplishment and success with this population in addressing at-risk behaviors and their causes (Kaestle & Waller, 2011). This is an important step towards the discovery of new techniques and strategies to address STDs, particularly in young adults who often face these risks (Kaestle & Waller, 2011).

Conclusion

STDs are commonly observed in the patient population who require treatment; therefore, these experiences must serve as teaching moments, whereby there is a greater focus on developing new perspectives to ensure that patient outcomes are achieved and that preventive measures are provided to the population to ensure their future safety and that of their sexual partners. This is an important step towards widespread prevention and a greater focus on STDs and their impact on quality of life, particularly in young adults who face these risks most frequently.

References

Dariotis, J. K., Sifakis, F., Pleck, J. H., Astone, N. M., & Sonenstein, F. L. (2011). Racial and ethnic disparities in sexual risk behaviors and STDs during young men’s transition to adulthood. Perspectives on sexual and reproductive health, 43(1), 51-59.

Kaestle, C. E., & Waller, M. W. (2011). Bacterial STDs and perceived risk among sexual minority young adults. Perspectives on sexual and reproductive health, 43(3), 158-163.

Kelly, A., Miller, D., Tuesday, J., & EPT, E. P. T. (2011). HIV and STD Prevention Policies: Focus on Rural Areas. Council of State Governments.

Mõttus, R., Realo, A., Allik, J., Esko, T., & Metspalu, A. (2012). History of the Diagnosis of a Sexually Transmitted Disease is Linked to Normal Variation in Personality Traits. The journal of sexual medicine, 9(11), 2861-2867.