Psychosocial correlates of adolescents' worry about STD versus HIV infection - Similarities and differences

Background: Adolescents' worry (perceived threat) of sexually transmitted d iseases (STDs) and HIV infection may have different correlates. This study examined associations between selected psychosocial and behavioral construc ts and adolescents' worry about STD and HIV infection. Goal: To assess levels and correlates of worry about STD and HIV among a hi gh-risk sample of black adolescent females. Study Design: High-risk black females (n = 522), enrolled in a randomized, controlled HIV and STD prevention trial, completed a questionnaire and stru ctured interview at baseline. Worry about STD and HIV infection, recent ris k behaviors, and several measures potentially related to worry were assesse d. Results: Levels of worry for both STD and HIV were low. Recent history of S TD infection was associated with STD worry (OR, 4.6) and HIV worry (OR, 2.0 ). Infrequent communication about sex (OR, 2.0) and low perceived ability t o negotiate condom use (OR, 2.0) were related to STD worry; whereas, only p artner-specific barriers were related to HIV merry (OR, 1.9). Conclusions: Despite high risk, adolescents were generally complacent about the threat of infection with STD and HIV. Adolescents' worry about STD and HIV infection had different sets of correlates.