Objective: To identify the prevalence and correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis among a sample of African American female adolescents (N=522). Methods: Sexually active adolescents (14-18 years of age) completed a self-administered survey and an in-depth private interview. Demographic, psychosocial and behavioral measures hypothesized to correlate with a positive laboratory test for C. trachomatis were assessed. In addition, adolescents provided vaginal specimens that were screened for other prevalent STDs (i.e., gonorrhea and trichomoniasis). Factors identified as significantly associated with the presence of a positive laboratory test for C. trachomatis in contingency table analyses were entered into a multiple logistic regression model using a stepwise procedure. Results: C. trachomatis was recovered from 17.4% of 522 sexually active African American female adolescents. In logistic regression analyses, adolescents testing positive for C. trachomatis were significantly more likely to indicate negative attitudes towards condom use as influenced by partners and others (OR=2.2, p=.03); to have lower condom skills self-efficacy (OR=2.1, p=.047); to be in shorter relationships (OR=2.3; p=.018,); to report non-use of condoms with a steady partner (OR 2.8; p=.005); to have poorer parental monitoring (OR=2.3; p=017); and to test positive for gonorrhea (OR=4.9; p=.001). Conclusion: Study findings emphasize the importance of addressing psychosocial, as well as behavioral factors when designing C. trachomatis prevention and control programs for adolescents. Several of the constructs identified are particularly amenable to behavioral interventions and programs designed to decrease the risk for other STDs, including HIV.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in the session will be able to: (1) Identify the gaps in research regarding the association between psychosocial and behavioral correlates and Chlamydia trachomatis; (2) Discuss the association between specific psychosocial and behavioral correlates and C. trachomatis, including attitudes toward condom use, condom skills self-efficacy, condom use, length of relationship, parental monitoring, and concurrent gonorrheal infection; and (3) Discuss the relevance of including psychosocial, as well as behavioral factors in the design of effective C. trachomatis prevention and control programs for adolescents.
Keywords: Chlamydia, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.