California’s STD Pandemic: A Consequence of Neglected Sexual Health Amidst Progressive Ideals”
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As a diverse and progressive state, California has long championed identity politics and the right to self-expression. However, amidst the state’s focus on these issues, the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has gone unchecked, with little accountability from state leadership.erse and progressive state, California has long championed identity politics and the right to self-expression. However, amidst the state’s focus on these issues, the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has gone unchecked, with little accountability from state leadership.
While California has recently navigated a pandemic, the state is now facing another crisis in the form of increasing STD rates. This rise in STDs has occurred alongside a decline in marriage rates, men’s participation in the workforce, and college attendance. These trends have created an inverse relationship, resulting in the escalation of STD cases across the state.
Notably, Arkansas experienced the lowest increase in STD cases at 88% nationwide. This statistic is a concerning reflection of how California has neglected sexual responsibility and safety amidst unchecked gender identity and sexual expression.
Rates of gonorrhea infection went up 465.6% between 2010 and 2019 among Californians 55 and older, the report states. The chlamydia rate rose 238.4%, and the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection went up 84.3%
The high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in San Francisco, with 3,150 cases per 100,000 people, is a cause for concern. San Francisco has the third-highest STD rate in the United States, after Jackson, Mississippi and Baltimore, Maryland.
The City By the Bay has a significantly higher rate than the next highest city in California, Los Angeles, which is ranked at No. 37 with 1,464 cases per 100,000. The data was compiled by Innerbody Research, which analyzed the 2020 STD Surveillance Report released by the Centers for Disease Control.
The report reveals that 19 of the top 25 cities with high STD rates are in the American South, where health officials have been warning about an epidemic of STDs for years. It is important for individuals to take steps to protect their sexual health, such as practicing safe sex, getting regular STD testing, and being aware of the risk factors for STDs.
STI rates among Californians aged 55 and older
A. Gonorrhea rates increased by 465.6%
B. Chlamydia rates increased by 238.4%
C. HIV prevalence increased by 84.3%
D. Nationwide:
1. Gonorrhea: up 383%
2. Chlamydia: up 200%
3. HIV: up 92%
E. Variations in STD rates by state:
A. Arkansas: 88% increase in gonorrhea cases (smallest increase)
B. South Dakota: 1,393.4% increase in STD rates (highest increase)
C. South Dakota is the only state in the top 10 for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.
III. San Francisco’s high STD rate:
A. Third-highest STD rate in the United States (3,150 cases per 100,000 people)
B. Higher than other California cities such as Los Angeles (1,464 cases per 100,000)
C. 19 out of the top 25 cities with high STD rates are in the American South
Ferrannini, John. “This Bay Area city’s STD rate is among the highest.” KRON4, 26 April 2021, https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/this-bay-area-citys-std-rate-is-among-the-highest/.
Ferrannini, John. “Report: STDs skyrocket among older Californians.” KRON4, 18 May 2021, https://www.kron4.com/news/california/report-stds-skyrocket-among-older-californians/.
Discovered on: 2023-02-25 00:23:58
Source: “Unprotected and Unaware: The Alarming Rise of STD Rates among Californians…
