Objectives:
To examine predictors of sexually transmitted disease risk factors among incarcerated youth.

Methods:
 Data were collected from 690 male and female youth housed in an urban youth detention center. Participants completed a self-administered survey using automated computer assisted interviewing technology. Urine samples were collected from all participants and tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Results:
Odds ratio analyses show that the odds of testing positive for either chlamydia or gonorrhea was greater for females than males. Juveniles reporting one or more joint occurrences of sex and alcohol in the three months prior to incarceration were more likely to test positive for an STD than those not engaging in this behavior. Multiple regression models indicate that predictors of STD status vary by gender. Age and STD history are predictors for males, but not for females. Family structure, number of recent partners and engaging in sex while under the influence of alcohol are more important for females than for males. Alcohol and drug expectancy are related to STD status in male delinquents, but not female delinquents.

Conclusions:

The incidence of STDs is this population is higher among females. Predictors of STD status varies by gender.