Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Young Adults

Introduction

Background and Significance of the Problem

Despite the efforts taken to reduce the exposure to sexually transmitted diseases among young adults, the threat remains very high in some communities. The reasons for the failure of promoting health literacy among the target population may vary depending on the community and include factors such as poor communication, unavailability of health-related resources, and high poverty rates, to name a few (). As a result, the extent of the problem at hand varies substantially, reaching quite drastic rates in some countries. Nonetheless, the rates of STI contraction remain alarmingly high globally, according to recent reports. Specifically, the World Health Organization (2019) declared that “More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide.” Therefore, the problem has reached a tremendous size and must be addressed immediately, which can be done by building awareness using innovative technology as the fastest mean of communicating and building awareness.

Statement of the Problem and Purpose of the Study

Presently, the levels of STIs contraction are alarmingly high among young adults in several communities across the globe. While the observed problem can be linked to socioeconomic concerns and the unavailability of resources, reducing the extent of STIs contraction can be possible once key barriers to health are isolated and managed. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to locate and evaluate the methods of preventing STIs among young adults. For this purpose, the key barriers to the promotion of awareness and the development of the required behaviors and attitudes among young adults will be isolated and studied closely (Kingori et al., 2018). Afterward, strategies for improving the existing understanding of STIs, their transmission, and prevention among young adults will be crafted. It is believed that the role of social media in encouraging awareness must be revisited.

Research Questions, Hypothesis, and Variables with Operational Definitions

Research Question

This paper will seek to answer the following question: “What are the key barriers to the prevention of STIs in young adults, and what strategies can be used to overcome these barriers effectively?” This research question will imply applying the mixed research method since, while the qualitative approach will be needed to discover and characterize the key factors and strategies, the quantitative measurement will be needed to determine their weight and the expected efficacy of the proposed interventions.

Hypothesis: Research and Null

Hypothesis A

A combination of the lack of awareness concerning the identification and prevention of STIs and the unavailability of screening options leads to the increase in STIs contraction in young adults, which is why introducing free testing opportunities and using social media to build awareness should be seen as primary tools for managing the current problem.

Null hypothesis

There is no observable connection between STIs and issues such as accessibility of screening options and lack of awareness about health issues associated with STIs among young adults.

Identifying and Defining Study Variables

The rates of STIs in young adults are the key dependent variable to be considered in the course of this research, whereas the rates of awareness and the accessibility of screening tools are the main independent variables that are presumed to affect the dependent one.

Operationalize Variables

To measure the variables considered in this study, patient records will be analyzed. Specifically, the statistical information regarding changes in the development of STIs in young adults will be calculated in the course of the research. Thus, the connection between the levels of awareness, accessibility of testing services, and the propensity toward STIs will be identified.

References

Kingori, C., Ice, G. H., Hassan, Q., Elmi, A., & Perko, E. (2018). ‘If I went to my mom with that information, I’m dead’: sexual health knowledge barriers among immigrant and refugee Somali young adults in Ohio. Ethnicity & Health, 23(3), pp. 339-352. Web.

World Health Organization. (2019). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Web.