Childhood Sexually Transmitted Diseases: One Consequence of Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Numerous sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of both viral and bacterial origin exist. Nursing and medical literature typically focuses on adults with STD, with vague regard for the epidemiology of STD among prepubertal children. This article focuses on childhood sexually transmitted disease as a consequence of sexual abuse. Nurses are encouraged, however, to assess both for STDs among child victims of sexual abuse and for sexual abuse among child victims of STDs. Some of the more common sexually transmitted diseases among adults, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachmatis, Treponema pallidum, genital herpes simplex Virus, human papillomavirus and HIV/AIDS are discussed as they occur in children between the ages of 1 and 12 years. Suggestions are provided for nurses regarding assessment and protocols (interviews and examinations) and interventions.

American children at risk: Poverty and its consequences for children's health, growth, and school achievement

“…Linkages may be hypothesized among a number of environmental risks and health status for children living in poverty. These include exposure to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (Andrews and DeAngelis, 1995;Anderson C, 1995), tuberculosis (Drucker et al, 1994;Jacobs and Starke, 1993;McSherry and Connor, 1993), homelessness (Acker et al, 1987;Alperstein et al, 1988;Murata et al, 1992), poor oral health (Cherry-Peppers et al, 1995;Jessee, 1993;Rizk and Christen, 1994), and accidents and injuries (Christoffel et al, 1989;Durkin et al, 1994;Wolfner and Gelles, 1993). However, a review of all these risk factors would not be feasible here.…”