Association between multiple incarcerations and sexual risk and STD history of incarcerated African American adolescent girls

Background: Incarcerated adolescents experience elevated STD rates. While studies suggest that detained youth engage in higher rates of sexual risk behaviors relative to their non-detained peers, little is known about the impact of multiple incarcerations. This study examined the association between previous incarceration and the sexual behaviors, partner characteristics, and STD history among incarcerated African American adolescent girls.

Methods: 145 African American girls, ages 13-17 years enrolled in an HIV/STD prevention study while incarcerated during 2009-10 completed a baseline ACASI assessing demographics, incarceration history, sexual behaviors, partner characteristics, and STD history. Bivariate statistics and logistic regression analyses examined differences between those with and without prior incarceration.

Results: 67.6% had been previously incarcerated (mean previous incarcerations = 2.76; SD = 7.13). Sexual behaviors, including condom use and number of sexual partners, did not differ among girls previously incarcerated and those with an initial incarceration. Previous incarceration was associated with having sex with an older male partner, previously incarcerated partners, and past STDs. In a logistic regression analyses controlling for age, girls with an incarceration history were more likely to: have a recently incarcerated sex partner (AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.11-9.65), and report a STD history (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.48-7.44).

Discussion: Results suggest similar sexual behavior patterns between girls with a first incarceration and those with multiple incarcerations. Previously incarcerated girls' greater likelihood of a recently incarcerated sex partner may partially explain their increased STD risk. Further investigation is needed to assess the impact of incarcerations on STD risk.