Ralph J. DiClemente|Gina M. Wingood|Catlainn Sionéan|Richard A. Crosby|Kathy Harrington|Susan L. Davies|Edward W. Hook|M. Kim Oh
Association of Adolescents’ History of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and Their Current High-Risk Behavior and STD Status
Emory University|Emory University|Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|Emory University|Emory University|University of Alabama|University of Alabama
adolescents high risk sexually transmitted disease stdhiv infection one vulnerable subgroup african american females association adolescents previous experience std recent sexual risk behaviors illdefinedthe goal examine associations adolescents selfreported history std diagnosis current sexual risk behaviors prevention knowledge attitudes std infection statusthis crosssectional survey recruitment sites lowincome neighborhoods birmingham alabama characterized high rates unemployment substance abuse violence stds participants sexually active adolescent females n 522 14 18 years age information std history current sexual behaviors within 30 days assessment collected facetoface interviews less sensitive topics std prevention knowledge attitudes condom use perceived barriers condom use addressed via selfadministered survey dna amplification vaginal swab specimens provided adolescents performed determine current std status outcomes associated past std diagnosis determined means logistic regression calculate adjusted odds ratios aors presence observed covariatestwentysix percent adolescents reported ever std diagnosed although past std diagnosis associated increased std prevention knowledge associated increased motivation use condoms compared adolescents never std adolescents history diagnosed std likely report using condom recent intercourse aor 254 95 ci 164393 00001 recent unprotected vaginal intercourse aor 179 95 ci 115279 0010 inconsistent condom use aor 227 95 ci 146351 0001 sexual intercourse drinking alcohol aor 209 95 ci 133328 0001 unprotected intercourse multiple partners aor 329 95 ci 109989 0034 past std diagnosis associated increased risk current biologically confirmed gonorrhea trichomoniasis aor 248 95 ci 109523 0030 aor 205 95 ci 118359 0011 respectively past std diagnosis significantly associated increased risk current biologically confirmed chlamydia aor 078 95 ci 045137 038among sample female adolescents past std diagnosis indicator current highrisk sexual activity increased risk two common stds gonorrhea trichomoniasis although adolescents may gain factual knowledge experience std diagnosed applying knowledge current sexual behaviors thus adolescents remain risk subsequent std infection therefore findings suggest need intensify clinicbased prevention efforts directed toward adolescents history stds strategy reducing stdassociated risk behaviors consequently likelihood new std infections