Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Risk Behaviors, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Previously Detained Young Adults in an Urban Setting

Background: Youth of color comprise 35% of youth in the United States and 62% of youth in juvenile detention. The Northwestern Juvenile Project (NJP), which enrolled from 1995 to 1998, is a longitudinal study of detained youth. Objective: To describe the prevalence of sexual risk behaviors, STIs and HIV among a subset of NJP youth. Method: HIV/STI risk behavior information was collected during the cohort's 5-year follow-up interviews. A subset was later offered HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea screening. Referrals were made as needed. Results: Of 1829 baseline participants, 1557 (85%) were interviewed at 5 years, including 890 (57%) African Americans and 422 (27%) Hispanics. Of 992 males interviewed (median age=20 years), 11% reported > 3 sex partners, 43% reported unprotected vaginal sex, and 4% reported unprotected anal sex. Compared to incarcerated males (n=404), men in the community (n=588) were more likely to have > 3 sex partners (AOR= 15.6, 95% CI= 3.9-61.6), unprotected vaginal (AOR= 19.4, 95% CI= 10.3-36.6), oral (AOR= 15.4, 95% CI= 7.7-30.7) and anal sex (AOR= 5.0, 95% CI= 1.2-21.0). Of the 565 females interviewed (median age=20 years), 65% reported unprotected vaginal sex and 95% were living in the community. Compared to incarcerated females, women in the community were more likely to report unprotected vaginal sex (AOR=44.3, 95% CI=5.7-345.2). A subsample of 655 of 1557 participants (42%) was screened for STD/HIV; overall STD/HIV prevalence was 6.1%. Conclusion: As most detained youth return to their communities, prevention efforts should include community-based routine STI/HIV education, testing and treatment.