Sexually transmitted infections, notably chlamydia and gonorrhoea, have had an increasingly widespread presence in Kitchener-Waterloo over the past several years. This rise in cases has also been observable through a provincial standpoint and, in Waterloo, is being attributed to a lack of general knowledge and the region’s large student population amidst three post-secondary institutions.
According to statistics recently released by the Region of Waterloo public health department, there were over 1,750 reported cases of chlamydia in 2017, with the majority of these patients being between the ages of 20 and 24. Similarly, the most common ages for reported cases of gonorrhoea fall between 20 and 24, with 370 diagnoses in 2017.
These numbers represent the steady increase overall in cases of sexually transmitted infections from the last five years in this region. Specifically, a 10 per cent increase from 2016 is reported among the region’s reported cases of chlamydia and a 37 per cent increase from 2016 in reported cases of gonorrhoea.
In contrast to the province, the average per 100,000 people in the last 5 years for chlamydia was 275.3, while Waterloo’s average was 235.9. Additionally, Ontario’s reported cases average per 100,000 people for gonorrhoea was 56.6 in 2017, while Waterloo’s average exceeded that with 65.7.
With this insight, it is assumed that the large student population of Waterloo contributes to the dominant frequency of cases among this age group, as well as the increase in cases.
Jessie Johal, manager of sexual health at the Region of Waterloo’s public health services, stated that there are many reasons why rates are increasing, as well as why these cases are predominantly occurring among 20 to 24-year-olds.
Public health collects data on sexually transmitted infections in the region on a monthly basis, and it is becoming obvious that this increase will continue. “It is trending towards the similar type of projections that we had in 2017,” Johal said.
“We attract a lot of 20 to 24-year-olds in the region for post secondary education”, said Johal.
Naturally, having a disproportionately large demographic of young people can create a large influx in their representation in statistics. This, however, causes concern for the region’s public health department.
“The most common [reason] is having multiple partners and having unprotected sex … people’s understanding may be lacking,” Johal said. “When these cases are reported to us, we do record some of these risk factors.”
It is estimated that 30-35 per cent of the time patients claim to not be using condoms upon becoming infected, according to Johal.
Johal further mentioned that some of these recorded risk factors also include a prevalence of online, anonymous dating websites and apps.
“Condom fatigue” is a term coined to refer to people’s apathy towards becoming infected with an STI. Due to the fact screenings and treatments are available, there is less of a cause for concern from those who engage in unprotected sex and run the risk of receiving an infection.
Public health collects data on sexually transmitted infections in the region on a monthly basis, and it is becoming obvious that this increase will continue. “It is trending towards the similar type of projections that we had in 2017,” Johal said.
The region’s public health department will be focusing on engagement with the population in response to these statistics. They are developing strategies in collaboration with Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo and Conestoga College, as well as other health resources within the community, with the goal of thorough congregation and investigation.