Title : STI Testing Among Adolescents at Higher-risk Using 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey
Abstract:
Background:
This study aims to evaluate Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) testing among the high school students who reported substance abuse and high-risk sexual behavior. Studies have shown associations between STI’s, high-risk sexual behaviors, and substance abuse among this population.
Methods:
Data collection was conducted using an online survey among U.S. high school students grades 9-12 in 2021. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention's Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES), focused on questions related to substance use, sexual behavior, and STI testing were stratified by demographic factors such as age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Statistical analysis software, SPSS, was used to find association between STI testing and high-risk sexual behavior (e.g number of sexual partners, condom use), and substance abuse (e.g marijuana, heroin, alcohol and drugs).
Results:
A total of 7705 high school students participated in the survey, 4.59% (325) of those tested for an STI significantly greater percentage among females (61.42%), 17 year olds (34.88%) and ranked highest among whites in comparison to other ethnic groups (45.06%). Among those tested for STIs and exposed to substance abuse, 21.43% reported using marijuana 100 or more times overall, 3.1% reported using heroin 40 or more times, and 19.1% using alcohol or drugs before sexual intercourse (p > 0.05). Of those with STI testing and reported sexual activity, 3.21% reported six or more partners and 48.8% did not use a condom during sexual intercourse (p > 0.05). Additionally, among those who reported STI testing, 24.82% had 6 or more sexual partners as well as reporting no condom use and 26.57% of those who reported being tested for STIs had both consumed alcohol or drugs and had sex without using a condom.
Conclusions:
The data highlights suboptimal STI testing among those who reported substance use and high-risk sexual behavior. The results emphasize the need for widespread public health measures that improve STI testing among those adversely impacted with STIs including high school students with substance use disorders and high-risk sexual behavior.
