Health Disparities

Despite prevention efforts, some groups of people are affected by STDs more than others. When a disease occurs at a higher rate among one population group when compared to other groups, it is called a health disparity. Differences may occur by gender, race or ethnicity, education or income, disability, geographic location, or sexual orientation. Health disparities exist in some groups even when behaviors are less risky; other factors such as poverty, unequal access to healthcare, lack of education, stigma, and racism also contribute and are linked to health disparities. More about health disparities.

Additional data on STD rates by age, gender, and geographic location are found in CDC's annual Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report.