Problems With Sexual Health And Substance Abuse - 1452 Words

Problems with sexual health and substance abuse are prevalent in the New York City area. ). â€Å"Reproductive and sexual health covers a broad range of health needs from adolescence forward, including the reproductive system, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and fertility. Untreated STDs can lead to serious long-term health consequences† (Healthy people 2020, 2015. An estimated 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diagnosed each year in the United States; almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24 (Reproductive and Sexual Health, 2015). New York is a city of many cultures; it is difficult to understand how each culture perceives sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases. One thing that I have†¦show more content†¦Adolescents are not only at risk of acquiring deadly or life-long diseases but are also at risk of unintended pregnancy, illicit drug use, and infertility. Another group at high risk of acquiring STDs and HIV/A IDS is the older adult population. The older adult population is at high risk because many older adults are even less knowledgeable about these diseases. Other older adults believe that they have no risk of acquiring sexually transmitted disease because of their age; therefore they do not use protection when engaging in sexual activity. According to Healthy People 2020, some of the factors that affect an individual’s reproductive and sexual health decision-making are determined by social norms, access to health care, educational attainment, age, income, place of living, insurance status, sexual orientation, and dependency on alcohol and drugs (Reproductive and Sexual Health, 2015). It is important to assess these factors on people at risk for STDs and other sexual/reproductive diseases. Cultural beliefs are another important factor to look at when dealing with people at risk for acquiring these diseases. Assessment is key, and topics related to sexual health are sometimes hard to express. Nurses must convey trust and a caring affection for individuals to open their feelings and trust health care providers, especially when talking about sexual health. In 2012, 71% of New York residents newly diagnosed with HIV were young adults ages