RESUMO
Today, health officials throughout the globe are concerned about the present trend of the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This study was carried out with the aims of eliciting common STDs in clients under twenty and in sexually abused children attending the Comprehensive Clinic, Kingston. Other aims were to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of new and old clients relating to STD infection. 140 clients 14 years and over were interviewed by questionnaire, while information on clients under 14 years was obtained from medical records in 13 cases. Results showed that the three prominent STDs affecting this age group are gonorrhoea, syphilis and NSU/NGU. Even though knowledge of the two common diseases gonorrhoea and syphilis was good, clients lacked knowledge about other STDs. The study revealed that there is a brand new attitude towards sexual morality among young people. The use of ganja was found to be a factor influencing recurrence while the use of unauthorised treatment was not a serious problem. The study identified two males under 14 molested by older females. Recommendations included the formation of health clubs, health education for the public and special programmes for constant repeaters (AU)