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Detecting, Preventing, and Treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescent Arrestees: An Unmet Public Health Need

Year: 2009

Type: review

Abstract: Studies of detained and incarcerated adolescent offenders in the United States indicate that these juveniles have an elevated risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, many more arrestees enter the "front end" of the juvenile justice system than are detained or incarcerated, and research into the STD risk profiles and service needs of this larger group is lacking. An expansion of STD testing (including of asymptomatic youths), prevention, and treatment is needed, as is improved knowledge about gender- and race-specific services. A pilot program in Florida has shown that juvenile justice and public health systems can collaborate to implement STD testing among new arrestees. With integrated linkages to treatment and prevention after release, this model could greatly reduce the STD burden in this underserved, high-risk population.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2007.122937

Authors: Steven Belenko, Richard Dembo, Matthew Rollie, Kristina Childs, Christopher Salvatore

Institutions: University of South Florida, Temple University

Language: English

Topic: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: Temple University, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse