Who does the USPSTF recommend should receive intensive behavioral counseling for sexually transmitted infections?

The recommendation that intensive behavioral counseling for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be provided specifically to all sexually active adolescents and at-risk adults is grounded in the recognition of higher susceptibility and often different behavioral patterns in these groups. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to STIs due to factors such as limited experience with prevention strategies and increased social and sexual behaviors.

Additionally, the USPSTF focuses on targeted interventions that address individuals at greater risk, which includes not just adolescents but also adults who display risk factors for STIs, such as multiple sexual partners or inconsistent condom use. This strategy ensures that resources are efficiently utilized to prevent STIs in populations where the potential benefits of counseling are most substantial.

In contrast, universal recommendations for all adults or only specific demographics like women overlook the nuances of risk profiles and fail to provide appropriate support to those most likely to benefit from counseling.