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General
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Statistics about STDs at CU
Originally Published: April 22, 1994
~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: November 17, 2000
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Dear Alice,
I was wondering whether you could tell me statistics at Columbia. For example, what is the percentage of people on campus who have STDs? Has this number come down since the University gives out free condoms? How many undergraduates get pregnant each year? What percentage of those undergraduates opt to have an abortion? Can you still live in the dormitory if you are pregnant and you decide to carry the baby to term? How many pregnancy tests do Health Services perform in an average month? Why isn't there a more active campaign on campus to get women in for their yearly check-ups? Does the University carry Norplant? JUST CURIOUS Dear JUST CURIOUS, Health Services at Columbia has just begun computerizing their statistics about students who use their services. Even so, only some, not all, of the information you're interested in will be tallied. For example, it would be impossible to calculate accurately how many undergraduate students have had abortions, as that is a service Columbia doesn't provide. A woman may seek an abortion and never tell anyone at the University. On the other hand, we do know that a pregnant student can stay in the residence halls until she gives birth. In terms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), similarly, undergraduates may use services other than Health Services at Columbia for treatment. Many STDs are asymptomatic, however, making a reliable number difficult to discern because no symptom is the most common symptom of an STD. As of yet, no researcher has looked at whether condom availability is having an impact on reducing the incidence of STDs. Good questions... do you have a thesis project coming up? Health Services at Columbia does have an active campaign to encourage women to come in for their free annual gynecological exams. The campaign includes professional programs in the residence halls. "Initial visit education groups" are also available for women. Call x4-2284 for more information. All of these are ways to try to get the word out about the importance of taking an active role in one's own health care. Health Services at Columbia does not offer Norplant as it is no longer available on the market. Students can call x4-2284 to make an appointment with a women's health care provider to discuss various contraceptive options and help find one that'll work for their needs and preferences. Well, that covers it — next time, try one subject at a time, please!
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