Prevalence of HIV-related risk behaviors and STDs among incarcerated adolescents
Canterbury, R.J.; McGarvey, E.L.; Sheldon-Keller, A.E.; Waite, D.; Reams, P.; Koopman, C.
Journal of Adolescent Health Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine 17(3): 173-177
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 1054-139X PMID: 8519785 DOI: 10.1016/1054-139x(95)00043-rDocument Number: 313759
To determine the HIV-related risk behaviors and STDs in a population of incarcerated adolescents in order to strategically target education and prevention efforts. A single point-in-time prevalence study based on an analysis of intake medical records of 1,215 incarcerated youth were analyzed for HIV risk behaviors and STD history. Incarcerated adolescents report high rates of risk behaviors for HIV infection and STDs, with 75% reporting three or more sex partners, 25% never using condoms and 19% having a current diagnosis of at least one STD. Significantly more females than males reported a history of STDs and had higher rates of current diagnoses of chlamydia/non-gonococcal urethritis, trichomonas and gonorrhea. Ethnic/racial and gender differences were found in risk behaviors for STDs among a sample of incarcerated adolescents.