SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASE IN FEMALE ADOLESCENTS - EFFECTS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AND HIGH-RISK BEHAVIORS

Background: Although previous studies have reported behavioral correla tes oi: sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) and psychosocial correlat es of risky behavior, research has not examined the linkages between p sychosocial attributes, behavioral patterns, and actual STD acquisitio n within the same adolescent sample. We examined the effects of five p sychosocial factors on risky sexual behavior and substance use, and th eir direct and indirect effects on STD acquisition. Methods: A multiet hnic sample of 571 sexually-active female adolescents (ages 13-19 year s) was recruited from family planning clinics. Subjects completed ques tionnaires prior to their gynecologic examination and STD testing. Res ults: Female adolescents who were heavy substance users, who felt litt le control over their sexual behavior, and had a greater number of fri ends who engaged in risky sexual behavior were themselves more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. Risky sexual behavior was associat ed with positive STD status. Subjects who used psychoactive substances during sex reported higher numbers of sexual partners and were more l ikely to have an STD. Conclusions: This research has identified possib le causal paths by which psychosocial factors may influence specific b ehaviors that are predictive of STDs in adolescent females.