Background:
Previous research indicates that incarcerated youth are more likely than
their peers to engage in high-risk sex behaviors that increase the
likelihood of them contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Numerous
factors have been linked to high-risk behaviors, but gender differences have
not been clearly defined.
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. |