Individual and community risk factors and sexually transmitted diseases among arrested youths: a two level analysis

J Behav Med. 2009 Aug;32(4):303-16. doi: 10.1007/s10865-009-9205-8. Epub 2009 Feb 18.

Abstract

High rates of infection for chlamydia and gonorrhea have been noted among youths involved in the juvenile justice system. Although both individual and community-level factors have been found to be associated with sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk, their relative importance has not been tested in this population. A two-level logistic regression analysis was completed to assess the influence of individual-level and community-level predictors on STD test results among arrested youths processed at a centralized intake facility. Results from weighted two level logistic regression analyses (n = 1,368) indicated individual-level factors of gender (being female), age, race (being African American), and criminal history predicted the youths' positive STD status. For the community-level predictors, concentrated disadvantage significantly and positively predicted the youths' STD status. Implications of these findings for future research and public health policy are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Black or African American
  • Child
  • Cocaine / urine
  • Crime*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Juvenile Delinquency*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / urine
  • Racial Groups
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Substances

  • Cocaine