UNE > News and Events > Browse by article > Lack of information behind infectious diseases rise

Next Foreign Affairs Minister to deliver Earle Page lecture May 5, 2005  

Previous New livestock degree attracts top students May 3, 2005 

Lack of information behind infectious diseases rise

May 04, 2005

1.jpgSexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in rural areas is hindering efforts to reduce the soaring numbers of young people becoming infected with these diseases, according to research from The University of New England.
Ms Karin Fisher, a PhD student and registered nurse, says accessing such information is crucial in preventing STIs being passed on to others.
As a mother of young adults and health worker with more than 10 years’ experience, she became so concerned by the rising number of young people presenting with STIs, she set about writing her PhD on the topic.
Her research, to be completed in February next year, is aimed at identifying how people in the New England Area go about receiving information and help for the treatment and care of matters related to sexual health.

“The results of the study will be used in decision-making about future directions for the care and treatment of STIs and may be useful to inform policy directions and clinical practice,” Ms Fisher said.
The research is supported by a scholarship from the Hunter New England Area Health Service.
Ms Fisher said statistics compiled by NSW Health and just released showed, between 1999 and 2004,
* 307 per cent increase in chlamydia notifications across NSW
* A four-fold increase in infectious syphilis across NSW
* A 12 per cent increase in gonorrhoea across NSW
While figures from Hunter and New England Area Health only cover 2001 to 2003, they nevertheless show a similar trend in the local area, with a syphilis notification rate of 1.2 per 100,000 per population, compared with a state-wide notification rate of 2.2 per 100,000 per population.
“One of the reasons why I wanted to conduct research in this area was the number of babies born with congenital syphilis; it was very disturbing,” Ms Fisher said. Syphilis can be passed on during pregnancy from mother to baby if the mother has the infection and has not been treated.
“There needs to be a lot more information in the community and heightened awareness of these infections. If not treated they can lead to infertility (unable to have babies) ectopic pregnancies, chronic pain and a range of other problems.”
She said many young people had become complacent in using condoms, which helped prevent the spread of such diseases. She was especially concerned with young people who may be at risk of infection or may not know they have an STI and unknowingly pass it onto others.
As part of her research, Ms Fisher is calling for people over the age of 18 years who have tried to access services for testing, treatment, care or information about STIs, or are concerned about such issues, to contact her on 1800 232831.
For more information phone Lydia Roberts on 6773 2779 or
Karin Fisher on 67621250 or 0407100859.

Posted by Lydia Roberts at May 4, 2005 11:09 AM