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. 2000 Mar;27(3):175-7.
doi: 10.1097/00007435-200003000-00011.

High prevalence of asymptomatic STDs in incarcerated minority male youth: a case for screening

R P Pack  1 , R J Diclemente, E W Hook 3rd, M K Oh
Affiliations

High prevalence of asymptomatic STDs in incarcerated minority male youth: a case for screening

R P Pack et al. Sex Transm Dis. 2000 Mar.

Abstract

Background and objectives: To assess STD prevalence among a sample of incarcerated minority male youth in a southern US city.

Methods: A consecutive entrant, cross-sectional study of 284 minority males 14 to 18 years was performed. All adolescents were screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia using ligase chain reaction tests.

Results: Eighteen percent of youth were identified as having either gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both. Approximately 84% of those with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) self-reported having no symptoms. Failure to use condoms in the past month was significantly associated with a positive test result for STDs (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.3).

Conclusions: The findings indicate an urgent need for routine STD screening and STD-prevention programs for adolescent males in detention facilities. A study of 284 detained black male adolescents revealed 18% prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both. Approximately 84% of those with sexually transmitted diseases self-reported not having symptoms.

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