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Longitudinal prediction of sexually transmitted diseases
among adolescents: results from a national survey.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2000;18(4):312-317.
Crosby RA, Leichliter JS, Brackbill R.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although adolescent use of condoms has been increasing, incidence
of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people remains high.
To identify adolescent behavioral risk factors for acquiring STDs, this
study assessed adolescent self-reports of acquired chlamydia, gonorrhea,
syphilis, and trichomoniasis within 1 year after a baseline interview. METHODS:
We used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health
for this study. Data were collected in the homes of survey respondents,
using audio-computer-assisted self-interview (audio-CASI) technology and
interviews. Participants were enrolled in grades 7-11 from 134 U.S. schools.
A cohort of 4593 sexually experienced adolescents was followed for 1 year.
We conducted separate analyses for both genders. RESULTS: About 3.1% of
the male adolescents and nearly 4.7% of the female adolescents reported
having had at least one STD after the baseline interview. For both genders,
self-reported STD infection before baseline interview was the best predictor
of self-reported STD infection 1 year after baseline interview. Female adolescents
were more likely to report diagnosis with an STD after baseline if they
self-identified as a minority race (other than Asian) and perceived that
their mother did not disapprove of their having sex. Female adolescents
were less likely to report STDs if they perceived that adults care about
them. No additional variables predicted STD diagnosis after baseline for
male adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that past history of STD infection
is the most important indicator of subsequent STD infection among adolescents.
Thus, this study suggests the benefit of specific clinical efforts designed
to promote preventive behavior among adolescents newly diagnosed with an
STD.
