Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Sample of At-Risk Youth: Roles of Mental Health and Trauma Histories

Abstract

Little is known about whether there are specific subpopulations of youth with known problem behaviors that are more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors. This study’s sample (n=4,117) was drawn from a larger longitudinal administrative data, consisting of young adults with child abuse and/or poverty histories and records of some form of high-risk behavior or mental health diagnosis during adolescence. A cluster-controlled, logistic regression resulted in eleven statistically significant relationships. Youth treated for a mental health disorder and experienced multiple forms of abuse were more likely to be treated for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Youth who were delinquent,, treated for substance abuse and had substance use related offenses were less likely to be treated for STIs. Youth treated for STIs were more likely to be identified through mental health systems or child protective services system than through known delinquent behaviors. Health care providers treating youth for STIs should explore the possible role of mental health and trauma histories.

Trading Sex for Money or Compensation: Prevalence and Associated Characteristics from a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Clinic Sample

“…Although the likelihood of sexual risk behaviors has been found to be elevated among youth who have been involved in foster care, have been maltreated, or are runaways who self-report abuse ((Ahrens, Katon, McCarty, Richardson, & Courtney, 2012; Auslander, Mcmillen, Elze, Thompson, & Stiffman, 2002; Gerassi, Jonson-Reid, & Drake, 2016), abusing substances (Clatts, Goldsamt, Yi, & Gwadz, 2005), or delinquent activity, these studies do not include trading sex as a sexual risk behavior. Research indicates elevated rates of survival sex in (typically young) men who have sex with men (MSM; Clatts et al, 2005; Lankenau et al, 2004) and young women and girls regardless of sexual orientation (Harding & Hamilton, 2009; Nixon, Tutty, Downe, Gorkoff, & Ursel, 2002).…”

Impact of stigma on HIV treatment seeking behavior among the youth living with HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: critical review of literature

“…If we are to address the challenge of HIV stigma and prevention of HIV and AIDS among the youth, designed programs targeting psycho-social experiences of risk behavior will play a tremendous role [34]. More and new innovative interventions, approaches, and techniques will continue to evolve, encompassing principles of youth development and being responsive to changes in social and biological factors, which substantially influence youths' health behaviors [39,40].…”

Improving the health of homeless youth through community-based sexual health promotion

“…For example, free or low cost STI testing/treatment and birth control methods. Homeless young adults are more likely to be sexually active, have multiple partners, engage in sex work, and report low rates of condom usage [2][3][4]. Preventing STIs can improve their long-term health.…”

“…Homeless youth are generally knowledgeable about transmission, prevention, and treatment of STIs, however, there are disparities regarding access and knowledge of free preventive and medical services [2][3][4]. A previous study by Rew et al [4], reported homeless youth wanted to know about free medical services, birth control, free STI testing, where to go for treatment and testing, and information about Planned Parenthood services (a local non-profit organization that provides sexual health care in the United States and globally).…”