One of five New York City borough’s The Bronx, ranks among the worst counties in the U.S. for teen sexual health, including pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates. That was the conclusion that New York University (NYU) researchers came to after studying adolescent sexual behavior in the area, according to Health Canal.
The reason behind these numbers remains a mystery, considering that the rate at which these kids are engaging in sex and using condoms is on par with the rest of the country, yet STD rates in the Bronx surpass the national average. New York Daily News reports that researchers suggested that poverty may be to blame for the spike in infections and pregnancies.
“The Bronx in relation to the city and the rest of the country is a community that really needs services and funding for [teen health programs],” said Estelle Raboni, of the Morris Heights Health Center, quoted by the news source.
These findings may inspire NYC officials to re-evaluate the sexual health resources available to Bronx youth, in the hopes of reducing STD infection rates in this area.
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