Nongonococcal urethritis incidence has fallen at one university health service: are "safer sex" messages being heard?
The authors determined the incidence of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) longitudinally in patients attending a university health service between August 1986, and May 1988. During this period, the authors observed a statistically significant fall in NGU incidence. This fall coincided with awareness of AIDS risks due to national and local media encouragement of condom use and avoidance of anonymous or promiscuous contacts. Although the authors have no evidence that these educational efforts resulted in the observed fall in NGU incidence, other examined, potentially intervening variables can not completely explain the observed changes. A fall in NGU incidence may be a marker for a more generally decreased risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in at least some men.
Frisch
L E
LE
Student Health Service, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Greene
B F
BF
Harrison
R
R
Lawlor
B
B
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D013333:Student Health Services; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014526:Urethritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control