High prevalence of asymptomatic STDs in incarcerated minority male youth -: A case for screening

Background and Objectives: To assess STD prevalence among a sample of incarcerated minority male youth in a southern US city. Methods: A consecutive entrant, cross-sectional study of 284 minority males 14 to 18 years was performed. All adolescents were screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia using ligase chain reaction tests, Results: Eighteen percent of youth were identified as having either gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both. Approximately 84% of those with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) self-reported having no symptoms, Failure to use condoms in the past month was significantly associated with a positive test result for STDs (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.3), Conclusions: The findings indicate an urgent need for routine STD screening and STD-prevention programs for adolescent males in detention facilities. A study of 284 detained black male adolescents revealed 18% prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both, Approximately 84% of those with sexually transmitted diseases self-reported not having symptoms.