MSNBC.com Examines Reasons for Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Including HIV, in United States

on Tuesday examined the factors contributing to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, among people living in the United States. According to experts, the number of STD cases in the country "will continue to rise as long as Americans underestimate their risk levels," MSNBC.com reports. Michael Carey, head of the Center for Health and Behavior at Syracuse University, said that people contract STDs because they underestimate and are misinformed about the risk of contracting the diseases, MSNBC.com reports. Drug addiction, poverty and poor mental health also play a role in people's perceptions about their health behaviors, according to Tony Morris, director of the Alabama-based advocacy group Jefferson County AIDS in Minorities. "Without addressing the social issues associated with risky behavior, individuals will continue to act irresponsibly," Morris said (Wynn, MSNBC.com, 4/19). The complete article is available online.

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