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.