Health Disparities
Despite prevention efforts, some groups of people are affected by STDs more than others. The occurrence of these diseases at greater levels among certain population groups than in others is often referred to as a health disparity. Differences may occur by gender, race or ethnicity, education or income, disability, geographic location, or sexual orientation. Poverty, unequal access to health care, lack of education, stigma, and racism are linked to health disparities.
In the United States, 2006 reported rates of three common STDs illustrate these disparities.
- For chlamydia, the most commonly-reported STD, rates were:
- 8 times higher among African Americans than among whites
- 5 times higher among American Indians/Alaska Natives than among whites
- 3 times higher among Hispanics than among whites
- The disparities for gonorrhea were even greater:
- 18 times higher among African Americans than among whites
- 4 times higher among American Indians/Alaska Natives than among whites
- 2 times higher among Hispanics than among whites
- While there has been significant progress with syphilis, reported rates were:
- 6 times higher among African Americans than among whites
- 2 times higher among American Indian/Alaska Natives and Hispanics than among whites
