IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHICS, SEXUAL HISTORY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONINGON THE ACQUISITION OF STDS IN ADOLESCENTS

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are associated with significant m orbidities for adolescents. This study sought to determine the relatio nship of demographic characteristics, sexual history, and psychologica l characteristics to actual acquisition of STD. Adolescents were recru ited from their source of primary care: 44 males and 88 females matche d on age and race. A series of logistic regression analyses were used to determine which of the independent variables were significantly ass ociated with self-reported STD occurrences. When age, race, and gender were pretested, older age and being female were found to be associate d with more episodes. The final model consisted of older age, female g ender, greater number of lifetime partners, perceived greater frequenc y of STDs among adolescents in general, less negative feelings about S TD acquisition, and being less likely to believe your friends would th ink you were bad. The findings indicate that acquisition of an STD is related to the demographic characteristics of age and gender, as well as to the number of lifetime partners and attitudes about STD acquisit ion. This information can be used to develop intervention programs.