According to the CDC, from 2022 to 2023 the rate of reported cases of chlamydia increased by 1.3% among men and 1.7% among women. Which of the following statements would not be a likely reason for this increase?

• A. Increased use of condoms, barriers and other contraceptives.
• B. Reductions in funding for STI services aimed at prevention and care.
• C. Cultural and societal stigma preventing individuals to seek testing and treatment.
• D. Improper awareness of the symptoms and complications associated with chlamydia and its transmission.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem, which involves an increase in reported cases of chlamydia among men and women from 2022 to 2023, as reported by the CDC.
2. Step 2: Analyze each statement to determine if it logically explains why chlamydia cases might increase. Consider factors that would lead to more infections or more reported cases.
3. Step 3: Recognize that increased use of condoms, barriers, and other contraceptives generally reduces the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, so this would not likely cause an increase in cases.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the other statements: reductions in funding for STI services, cultural stigma preventing testing, and improper awareness of symptoms can all contribute to increased transmission or under-treatment, leading to higher reported cases.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement about increased use of condoms and contraceptives is the unlikely reason for the increase in chlamydia cases, as it contradicts the expected effect of these preventive measures.