Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates and Patterns of Condom Use Among Young Adult Females at an Urban Emergency Department as Compared to College Students

Abstract

Introduction Despite months of shelter-in-place orders and two years of heavily cautious person-to-person contact, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise (Conference on Decision and Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022). A recent survey of females presenting to an urban emergency department (ED) had a higher rate of STI and unplanned pregnancy than those in a nearby college. This study further investigated patterns of male condom use by these populations. Methods Females aged 18-22 who reported vaginal intercourse at least once were surveyed in 2022 by an urban women’s hospital emergency department and a large urban-based public university. The survey addressed STI rates, number of partners, demographics of self and partners, and the use of condoms. Results Seventeen point one percent (17.1%) of university students and 43.8% of the ED patients reported a lifetime STI (p=0.034). The ED population was more non-white and poorer. University students reported a similar likelihood of condom use, 3.63, and ED patients 3.38 (p=0.557). Within the ED, African American-identifying individuals reported similar condom use, 3.54 versus 3.23, p=0.572. College students who reported STI had more partners, 16 versus 6.4 in the college population (p=0.0475); a trend not seen in the ED population. Conclusion STI rate remained higher in the ED population. Individuals identifying as African American represented 30.7% of the ED cases and trended towards more condom use. High-risk behavior does not directly correlate with income or non-white race. Risk per partner is higher in the ED population, suggesting more frequent exposure.