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After reviewing data from the CDC, it is clear that sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis disproportionally distress populations limited by gender, race, and age. Reviewing data from the state of California, it is clear that age groups between 20 and 34 account for the highest proportion of reported cases. Looking specifically at gonorrhea and syphilis rates are much higher in men then women. Alas, in chlamydia there is a higher prevalence of younger women being diagnosed. While looking at these 3 indicators hispanic and latino populations are the most widely affected compared to other races and ethnicities. STD rates are disproportionately higher among racial and ethnic minorities and although this cannot be pointed directly to high risk behavior, data shows there is a reflection of systemic inequities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Access to healthcare, availability of sexual health services, social/financial barriers carry a large contribution to these disproportionate rates. In the state of California much of the biases and barriers contributing to disparities are a result of poor access to outreach programs and health care access to the general population. Marginalized groups have been shown to have a limited access to affordable health care and as a result lack appropriate testing and treatment. A social stigma also sets a heavy weight due to a fear of judgment and discrimination when reaching out to request health services (Sutton et al., 2021). When comparing STD rates of California to those of the United States it is evident that a different set of racial demographics is affected, blacks far outweigh hispanics and latinos in most disease processes. This I believe is a result of regional disparities and their effects on local populations. As a nurse practitioner the two most important person centered actions providers can implement to promote STD self-care management are community education and the facilitation of community resources (Sutton et al., 2021). The nurse practitioner must be confident in educating patients on safe sexual practices and guide their patients on appropriate screenings to help mitigate sexual illness. Additionally, the nurse practitioner must help facilitate and act as a liaison for connecting community resources and programs to overcome systemic issues like poverty and educational inequalities. An interesting point to consider when discussing interprofessional collaboration is an option to work with school health professionals such as school nurses and councilors. This targets a young patient population and assist in integrating sexual health education while also offering resources and creating healthy community partnerships (Goldfarb & Lieberman, 2021). Looking at data from the CDC, young adults are the highest at risk age group, ensuring a focus of resources to this population can help address health gaps and promote early intervention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
INSTRUCTIONS-
Accurately analyze, synthesize, and/or apply principles from evidence with no more than one short quote. Include a minimum of two different scholarly sources. Cite all references and provide references for all citations. Engage peers and faculty by asking questions, and offering new insights, applications, perspectives, information, or implications for practice. Communicate using respectful, collegial language and terminology appropriate to advanced nursing practice. Use current APA format to format citations and references and is free of errors. 7th edition APA. References within 5 years. I paragraph needed
