Private MD News

Researchers find what makes young people seek STD testing

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Young people are most willing to undergo STD testing if they view it as a sign of respect for their partner or they understand it to be an important part of stopping the spread of infections, according to a new study from Penn State researchers.

The findings of the investigation may give public health officials a window into reasons why teens and young adults seek STD testing. This may play an important role in slowing the spread of infections, as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 account for more new cases of diseases than any other age group.

For the study, researchers surveyed 341 undergraduates between the ages of 18 and 24. The results showed that respect for a partner and preventing the spread of infections were the top reasons seeking testing.

On the other side of the coin, individuals who said they did not plan to get tested said that concerns over friends drawing conclusions about their sex life and embarrassment were the primary for their decision.

The researchers said their findings could play an important role in developing new campaigns to encourage young people to seek STD testing.