Trends in Sexually Transmitted Infections (Other Than HIV) in Older People

There has been a significant increase in the overall rate of STIs in older adults over the last few years, but little published research to inform public health policy, which remains youth focused. The results of this study, together with evidence from a number of other studies, would indicate that sexual risk-taking behaviour is not confined to young people but also occurs among older people. Although it is recognised that young people should remain the focus of sexual health programmes, the results of this study suggest that interventions designed to impart knowledge and provide the requisite skills needed to reduce STI risk should be provided for all sexually active age groups. Existing sexual health programmes do not adequately cater for older individuals and will require an understanding of the risk factors applicable to this sub-group of the population in order to reverse the rising trends observed in this study. There is therefore a need to support a programme of good quality (both qualitative and quantitative) research that can contribute to effective planning and implementation of intervention strategies that, while aiming to reduce STI transmission among all age groups and high risk sub-groups, include interventions aimed specifically at older people. These programmes should include strategies that encourage early diagnosis and treatment, provide age-appropriate educational materials and address societal attitudes and myths, as well as healthcare provider assumptions, regarding sexual activity among older people. A T Bodley-Tickell,1 B Olowokure,1 S Bhaduri,2 D J White,3 D Ward,4 J D C Ross,5 G Smith,6 H V Duggal,7 P Goold5 on behalf of the West Midlands STI Surveillance Project Sex Transm Infect. 2008;84(4):312-317. ©2008 BMJ Publishing Group