Epidemiologic Trends of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in China

Abstract

The incidence of STDs has continued to increase in China from 1989 to 1998. The epidemic patterns are different from rates in developed counties in which behavior interventions have been successfully implemented, suggesting the need for active behavioral-intervention programs in China.

The Timing of Sexual Debut Among Chinese Youth

“…In addition, more than half of all STIs in China occur among those aged 29 or younger. 20 Sex education programs have been offered in schools since 1985, but these have generally not addressed the reduction of high-risk behaviors among youth. 6,21 Indeed, the curriculum focuses on basic facts about reproduction, and discussion of contraception tends to be excluded out of concern that it could be seen as promoting sexual activity among youth.…”

Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Infection Underreporting Among Female Sex Workers in China

“…12 STI has become the third most common infectious disease in China. 13 According to the National STD Surveillance System, close to 1 million new STI cases have been reported annually in recent years, and there was an average annual increase of 39% from 1985 to 2004.…”

“…17 The National STD Surveillance System indicated that the majority of STIs were acquired through extramarital sex, including commercial sex. 12 Existing studies on FSWs have relied largely on selfreported STI. Of limited studies that reported biologically confirmed STI, the prevalence ranged from 30% to 85%.…”

Socioeconomic Disparity in Healthcare-Seeking Behavior among Chinese Women with Genitourinary Symptoms

“…1 After three decades of economic reform, however, the prevalence of STIs in China increased dramatically. 2 Although STIs can cause significant morbidity, treatments for STIs in China often were inadequate.…”

“…11 The dissolution of social health insurance in China through the 1990s significantly increased the out-ofpocket costs for patients, 12 and, therefore, low income could be a barrier to access to healthcare for Chinese women with STIs. Unlike in western countries, sex education was very 1 Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. 2 The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.…”