Predictors of infection with Chlamydia or gonorrhea in incarcerated adolescents

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence, multiple correlates, and gender differences in chlamydia and gonorrhea infections among adolescents, aged 13 to 18, incarcerated in a youth detention center in the southern region of the United States. GOAL: The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with juvenile offenders' sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk that may guide the development of interventions specifically tailored for this population. STUDY: The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey. RESULTS: Rates of undiagnosed chlamydia were 24.7% for incarcerated girls and 8.1% for boys. Gonorrhea was detected in 7.3% of the girls and 1.5% of the boys. Predictors of STD positivity differed for boys and girls. Demographic characteristics (gender, race, and age) account for 52% of the total variance in STD infections; youths' behavior accounts for approximately one third of the total variance, and psychologic and family variables account for 8.6% and 7.2% of the total variance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An approach that considers psychologic and social influences on adolescent sexual behavior is useful for identifying potential risk and protective factors of adolescent STD/HIV risk that are amenable to intervention.