Use your browser's BACK button to return to your page of origin.
New sex partner acquisition and sexually transmitted disease
risk among adolescent females.
Journal of Adolescent Health 2004;34:216-223.
Niccolai LM, Ethier KA, Kershaw TS, Lewis JB, Meade CS, Ickovics JR.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the association between new sex partner acquisition and
incident STDs, to describe predictors of acquiring a new sex partner, and
to compare new and established sex partnerships among adolescent females.
METHODS: Interview data and biological specimens for STD testing were collected
from a sample of 411 adolescent females (average age 17.3 years, 44% black
and 42% Hispanic) enrolled in a longitudinal study. The relationship between
having a new sex partner and incident STD infection was estimated with logistic
regression. RESULTS: Acquisition of a new sex partner during the 12-month
follow-up period was common (24%) and significantly associated with an incident
STD infection (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.6-5.7). Predictors of new partner acquisition
were younger age, younger age at first intercourse, and alcohol or drug use
before sex in past 30 days. Being in a new partnership was significantly
associated with greater uncertainty about the partners' STD history and recent
sex with others. CONCLUSIONS: Being in a new sex partnership is an important
predictor of incident STD infection. Awareness of this risk can help clinicians
identify individuals who are more likely to get STDs and therefore target
STD testing and appropriate prevention messages.