Sexually Transmitted Infections in adolescents and young adults: a growing public health challenge

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rep-resent a major global public health challenge, particularly among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years, who account for a disproportionate share of inci-dent infections worldwide. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the lit-erature, synthesizing recent epidemiological data, risk factors, and prevention strategies related to STIs in adolescents and young adults. Relevant articles were identified through major scientific databases and inter-national surveillance reports. Results: This narrative review summarizes current epi-demiological trends, risk factors, and prevention strategies related to STIs in young populations. The global burden of both bacterial infections, such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema palli-dum, and viral infections, including HIV, human papil-lomavirus, and herpes simplex virus, remains high in this age group. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable due to a complex interaction of bio-logical susceptibility, behavioral factors, and structural determinants such as limited access to sexual health ser-vices, stigma, and inadequate sexual health education. Specific subpopulations, including men who have sex with men, transgender youth, and young sex workers, experience markedly higher STI prevalence and inci-dence. A key challenge in STI control among young people is the high prevalence of asymptomatic infections, which substantially limits syndromic management and underscores the importance of systematic screening strategies. Evidence-based prevention approaches include vaccination, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, behavioral interventions, expanded screening programs, and youth-friendly healthcare services. Addressing the STI burden in young populations requires integrated public health strategies that combine biomedical interventions with efforts to reduce social and structural in-equities influencing sexual health outcomes. Conclusions: Reducing the burden of STIs in adolescents and young adults requires integrated, multi-level strategies combining prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable access to youth-friendly healthcare services, alongside targeted interventions addressing the specific needs of high-risk populations.