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Psychosocial correlates of adolescents' worry about STD versus
HIV infection: similarities and differences.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2001;28(4):208-213.
Crosby RA, DiClemente RJ, Wingood GM, Sionean C, Harrington K, Davies
SL, Hook EW, Oh MK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adolescents' worry (perceived threat) of sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) and HIV infection may have different correlates. This study examined
associations between selected psychosocial and behavioral constructs and
adolescents' worry about STD and HIV infection. GOAL: To assess levels and
correlates of worry about STD and HIV among a high-risk sample of black adolescent
females. STUDY DESIGN: High-risk black females (n = 522), enrolled in a randomized,
controlled HIV and STD prevention trial, completed a questionnaire and structured
interview at baseline. Worry about STD and HIV infection, recent risk behaviors,
and several measures potentially related to worry were assessed. RESULTS:
Levels of worry for both STD and HIV were low. Recent history of STD infection
was associated with STD worry (OR, 4.6) and HIV worry (OR, 2.0). Infrequent
communication about sex (OR, 2.0) and low perceived ability to negotiate
condom use (OR, 2.0) were related to STD worry; whereas, only partner-specific
barriers were related to HIV worry (OR, 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Despite high risk,
adolescents were generally complacent about the threat of infection with
STD and HIV. Adolescents' worry about STD and HIV infection had different
sets of correlates.