An Epidemic in Kalamazoo County: Increasing Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Rates among Black Youth
Abstract
Kalamazoo County has a consistent history of high
prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. However,
in 2014, the infection rates rose 27% over the previous
year, which was double the statewide average. The two
fastest growing sexual infections are gonorrhea and
chlamydia. The rising gonorrhea and chlamydia rates
among black youth are an example of a health disparity in
Kalamazoo County. The purpose of this analysis is to
answer the question, ‘Why black youth?’ through an in-depth
examination of historical health disparities
attributed to race and socio-economic status.