North Carolina Sees Increase in Risky Sexual Behaviors, According to New Data
North Carolina is facing a concerning trend as new data reveals an increase in risky sexual behaviors among its residents. The latest America’s Health Rankings (AHR) report highlights sexual behaviors as the state’s worst health score, with high-risk HIV behaviors receiving the lowest score. Ranking 48th in the nation, North Carolina reports a 7.3% rate of adults engaging in risky behaviors, surpassing the national average of 5.7%.
Dr. Jenna Beckham, an OB/GYN at WakeMed Raleigh, expressed her lack of surprise upon learning about the new data. She explained that North Carolina has a history of high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The recent findings align with the existing trends observed in statewide data and among her patients. Unlike other states that experienced declining rates during the pandemic, North Carolina did not witness a significant decline.
“While some STIs have slightly decreased in recent years, overall, we are not moving in a downward direction,” Beckham stated. “In fact, some infections like chlamydia continue to outpace the national rates of increase.”
Beckham noted that a significant portion of her patients identify as LGBTQ+, and HIV tends to have higher rates among this community. However, other STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis do not seem to disproportionately affect this patient population.
The rise in STI incidence is particularly alarming among younger patients. The latest AHR report also revealed that HPV vaccinations among North Carolina teens were lower than the national average. Only 55% of adolescents aged 13 to 17 were fully vaccinated for HPV, compared to the nationwide average of approximately 63%.
Beckham attributed the surge in STIs to stigmas surrounding sexual health and a lack of comprehensive sexual education. She emphasized the need for open conversations both at home and in schools, as sexual education plays a crucial role in promoting sexual safety and reducing risky behaviors.
“Many school systems either do not provide sexual education or offer limited information,” Beckham explained. “Additionally, cultural and societal factors, particularly conservative beliefs and religious policies, often discourage families from discussing these topics.”
This lack of education and communication often leads to younger generations engaging in unsafe sexual practices during their first experiences. Furthermore, Beckham highlighted the need for improved sexual education in rural communities where access to healthcare is limited compared to urban areas.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Beckham urges individuals of all ages to be mindful of their sexual behaviors. Regular screenings, open conversations with sexual partners, and practicing safe sex are all essential in reducing the risk of contracting STIs. She also emphasized that some infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can be asymptomatic, making regular screenings crucial for early detection and prevention of further transmission.
The concerning increase in risky sexual behaviors in North Carolina serves as a wake-up call for the state to prioritize sexual education and destigmatize conversations surrounding sexual health. By addressing these issues head-on, the state can work towards reducing the prevalence of STIs and promoting healthier sexual practices among its residents.
