Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Linked to Trichomoniasis, a Common STI

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health finds that neighborhood environment plays a role in the risk of acquiring trichomoniasis, a common and easily curable sexually transmitted infection.

Researchers examined the relationship between neighborhoods and trichomoniasis among young U.S. adults, using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (2001-2002). Trichomoniasis was measured via urine testing, and measures for neighborhood social disorganization racial and ethnic composition, concentrated poverty and residential instability were derived from the 2000 U.S. Census. The sample comprised 11,370 individuals across 4,912 neighborhoods. They found that trichomoniasis was more likely in neighborhoods with higher concentrations of Black residents, which was explained in part by higher levels of poverty within these neighborhoods.

The studys authors said, These findings suggest that the neighborhood racial disparity in young adults acquisition of trichomoniasis is attributable to higher levels of concentrated poverty within segregated black neighborhoods.

They conclude, Further research is needed to better understand the pathways through which neighborhood poverty contributes to STI and STI disparities, including studies on how to effectively create structural change aimed at eliminating neighborhood poverty.