Review Of Scholarly Literature Will Uncover A Prevalence

Review Of The Scholarly Literature Will Uncover A Preval

A review of the scholarly literature will uncover a prevalence of risky sexual behaviors and a high rate of sexually transmitted infections in individuals over 60 years of age. For this assignment, it is your responsibility to investigate the phenomenon of increased sexually transmitted infections, and you must provide at least 3 well-researched reasons why the elderly are at an increased risk of contracting an STI than their younger counterparts. And finally, provide at least 2 possible solutions to quell this problem. It has to be in APA format with in-text citation.

Paper For Above instruction

The increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among individuals over the age of 60 is a significant public health concern that has garnered increasing scholarly attention in recent years (Lindsey et al., 2020). Historically, STIs were considered primarily a concern for younger populations; however, recent trends suggest that older adults are increasingly vulnerable to these infections. Several interconnected factors contribute to this heightened risk, necessitating comprehensive understanding and targeted interventions.

One primary reason for the higher risk of STIs among the elderly is the misconception of immunity or invulnerability to infections (Eisenberg, 2019). Many older adults believe that they are less likely to contract STIs, which diminishes their likelihood to practice safe sex or seek testing. This false sense of security leads to reduced condom use, thereby increasing susceptibility to infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV (Fong, 2021). Furthermore, healthcare providers often overlook screening older adults for STIs, assuming them to be at lower risk, which creates gaps in early diagnosis and treatment (Huang et al., 2022).

Secondly, physiological changes associated with aging also play a significant role in elevating risk. As individuals age, the thinning and dryness of mucous membranes in the genital area can cause microtears during sexual activity, providing easier entry points for pathogens (Johnston & McCracken, 2020). Additionally, older adults often experience a decline in immune function, termed immunosenescence, which impairs their ability to fight off infections effectively (Smith et al., 2020). These biological changes make the elderly more susceptible to infection and decrease their capacity to recover swiftly.

Lastly, psychosocial factors such as loneliness, the desire for intimacy, or remarriage contribute to a boost in sexual activity among seniors, sometimes without adequate knowledge or risk management (Miller & Byers, 2018). The lack of comprehensive sexual health education tailored to older adults further exacerbates this vulnerability. Moreover, the use of medications such as erectile dysfunction drugs can increase sexual activity frequency, which, in the absence of proper protective measures, raises the odds of contracting STIs (Chen et al., 2020).

Addressing this alarming trend requires targeted solutions. The first solution involves increasing awareness and education about STIs in the elderly population. Public health campaigns and healthcare provider training can dispel misconceptions and promote safe sex practices, including condom use and regular screening (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). The second solution proposes integrating routine STI screening protocols into regular healthcare visits for older adults, much like other preventive health measures. This proactive approach enables early detection, treatment, and counseling, reducing transmission rates and health complications (WHO, 2021).

In conclusion, the rising rates of STIs among those over 60 can be attributed to misconceptions, biological changes, and psychosocial factors. To mitigate this issue, health education tailored to older adults and routine screening are critical strategies. These interventions can significantly contribute to reducing the prevalence of STIs in this vulnerable demographic and improve their overall health and quality of life.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). STI prevention strategies for older adults. CDC.gov
• Chen, L., Wang, Y., & Li, X. (2020). Impact of erectile dysfunction medications on sexual health risks: A review. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 17(4), 635-643.
• Eisenberg, M. (2019). Challenging myths about older adults and sexually transmitted infections. Aging & Mental Health, 23(1), 11-16.
• Fong, R. (2021). Sexual risk behaviors among seniors: A review of recent findings. Journal of Aging and Health, 33(3-4), 310-324.
• Huang, T., Lee, S., & Roberts, K. (2022). Screening patterns for STIs in older adults: An overlooked population. Public Health Reports, 137(2), 173-180.
• Johnston, C., & McCracken, H. (2020). Age-related physiological changes and susceptibility to infections. Geriatric Medicine, 11(2), 45-52.
• Lindsey, J., Kincaid, C., & Bolduc, J. (2020). Rising trends of STIs among seniors in the United States. Journal of Population Health, 9(2), 171-179.
• Miller, M. J., & Byers, E. S. (2018). Sexuality in later life: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Clinical Gerontology, 17(1), 21-29.
• Smith, R., Nguyen, N., & Patel, A. (2020). Immunosenescence and infection susceptibility in older adults. Immunology and Aging, 32(1), 15-23.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Global strategy for STI prevention and control. WHO.org