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Youth STIs spread at alarming rates

Teenagers not getting enough sex-ed: report

By: Jen Skerritt

Posted: 06/2/2010 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Health providers flagged the lack of consistent sex education in Winnipeg schools as one of the potential reasons gonorrhea and chlamydia spreads among youth at alarmingly high rates.

A recent Winnipeg Regional Health Authority report obtained through a freedom of information request found there is "no consistent" education about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Winnipeg schools. The June 2009 report surveyed 39 local service providers who work with youth and other target groups -- including sex-trade workers, street-involved youth and immigrants -- at risk of spreading STIs to determine any gaps.

Gonorrhea, chlamydia: alarming numbers

MANITOBA has recorded some of the highest rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia in the country in recent years as infections spread among sexually active youth age 15 to 24. Both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) carry few, if any, noticeable symptoms, but can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility if left untreated in women.

-- Cases of gonorrhea in Winnipeg increased from 353 cases in 2000 to 857 in 2008 -- a 243 per cent increase.

-- Cases of chlamydia in Winnipeg increased from 1,569 in 2000 to 3,750 in 2008 -- a 239 per cent increase.

-- Provincial disease statistics show in the first three months of 2010, a total of 1,841 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported.

-- Chlamydia has the highest incidence of any STI in Manitoba, and in March 2010, girls and women between 15 and 24 comprised 46 per cent of all reported chlamydia cases in the province.

-- Sources: WRHA, Manitoba Health

The report named discrepancies in school-based sex-ed as one of several gaps that could affect the spread of STIs among youth age 15 to 24 -- the group reporting the bulk of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections in Manitoba.

Some schools or divisions opt out of parts of the provincial sex-ed curriculum, the report said, and there is no uniform approach to how it is taught. It said there is ongoing debate about whether teachers or better-informed public health educators should give sexual health information to students.

The report recommended Winnipeg schools adopt a uniform approach to sex-ed and that teen clinics be incorporated in every school, since youth are hesitant to access care for STIs out of fear someone might find out.

Earlier this year, education officials told the Free Press there are no gaps in the province's sex-ed program and "the prime responsibility of issues of sexuality rest with the family."

"Gaps in (STI) education were noted for the youth and immigrant populations in particular, with no consistent (STI) related health education as part of the regular school curriculum or within orientation programs for immigrants," the report states.

"Consistent sexually transmitted infection-related health education should be implemented as part of the regular curriculum in schools and... there should be a teen clinic in every school."

Manitoba has recorded some of the highest per capita rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the country in recent years as the number of cases skyrocketed among teens and young adults.

Health officials recently launched a "relieve yourself" campaign in buses and bus shelters to get more youth tested for STIs.

The push came after focus groups conducted in high schools and among street teens revealed youth know virtually nothing about gonorrhea and chlamydia and feel uncomfortable getting the facts on safe sex from a teacher or parent.

Darryl Gervais, acting director of Manitoba Education's instruction, curriculum and assessment branch, saw the WRHA's report for the first time late last week.

He said he's unable to say whether gaps exist, since provincial officials don't police what's being taught in the classroom.

Education officials leave "potentially sensitive" sex-ed content to the discretion of school divisions and only a handful of dedicated teen clinics operates in seven city schools. There is no formal check to see what topics aren't taught in certain schools and officials admit some school divisions have decided sexual orientation, abortion and masturbation will not be addressed.

Gervais said it's the school division's responsibility to deliver the curriculum, and that schools are doing a good job.

Dr. Mike Routledge, WRHA medical officer of health, said officials plan to review feedback collected in the report and prioritize what should be done to tackle STIs -- which may include examining the education curriculum. "Schools have an important role," Routledge said. "It's important that we educate (youth) as much as possible."

jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 2, 2010 A3

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