Reproductive and Sexual Health

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People often have difficulty talking openly about sexuality. As a result, individuals are at risk for unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. Abstinence is the only fail-safe way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy. Delayed onset of sexual activity, active parental involvement, fostering critical thinking skills and resilience in our children and, for those adolescents who choose to engage in sexual activity, ready access to family planning services, can protect teens and young adults and prepare them for healthy personal relationships.

Objective: 
Increase the percentage of 9th through 12th graders who report never having engaged in sexual intercourse.

	NH Baseline 1999	57%8
	US Baseline 1999	50%9
	NH Target 2010	64%

Objective: 
Increase the percentage of sexually active 9th through 12th graders who report having used a condom during their last sexual intercourse.

	NH Baseline 1999	55%8
	US Baseline 1999	58%9
	NH Target 2010	61%

Contraceptive use is an important determinant of pregnancy and birth rate. Additionally, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can help reduce HIV and STD transmission.

Objective: 
Reduce teen births (per 1000 females 15-19 years of age).

	NH Baseline 1999	24.0 births15
	US Baseline 1998	51.1 births27
	NH Target 2010	21.1 births

Teen pregnancy can carry serious consequences. Teen mothers are less likely to get or stay married, less likely to complete high school or college, and are more likely to live in poverty and be dependent on public programs. Infants born to teen mothers, especially to mothers under 15 years old, are more likely to suffer from low birth weight, neonatal death, and sudden infant death syndrome. 

Objective: 
Reduce the incidence of chlamydia infection among adolescents and young adults (per 100,000 population 15-24 years of age).

	NH Baseline 1999	528.2 infections28
	US Baseline 1998	1259.6 infections29
	NH Target 2010	88.5 infections

Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to STDs because they often experiment with potentially risky behavior. Chlamydia is the most prevalent STD under surveillance in New Hampshire and 80% of diagnosed chlamydia infections are detected in 15-24 year olds. If not detected and treated, women may endure the long-term consequences of chlamydia: infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and cancer. Chlamydia often occurs without symptoms.
     Screening, early diagnosis and treatment, and treatment of sex partners can reduce the chain of transmission of STDs. Behavioral interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviors can lower the risk for STD and HIV infection.

Objective: 
Reduce the number of new cases of HIV infection among adolescents and adults.

	NH and US Baseline	NA
	NH Target 2010	Developmental

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) affect every racial and ethnic population, every age group, and every socioeconomic group. Nearly 410,800 people have died of AIDS since its recognition in 1981. All states report AIDS cases and most report HIV infection.

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