Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Sample of At-Risk Youth: Roles of Mental Health and Trauma Histories

Little is known about whether there are specific subpopulations of youth with known problem behaviors that are more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors. This study’s sample (n = 4117) was drawn from a larger longitudinal administrative data, consisting of young adults with child abuse and/or poverty histories and records of some form of high-risk behavior or mental health diagnosis during adolescence. A cluster-controlled, logistic regression resulted in 11 statistically significant relationships. Youth treated for a mental health disorder and experienced multiple forms of abuse were more likely to be treated for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Youth who were delinquent, treated for substance abuse and had substance use related offenses were less likely to be treated for STIs. Youth treated for STIs were more likely to be identified through mental health systems or child protective services system than through known delinquent behaviors. Health care providers treating youth for STIs should explore the possible role of mental health and trauma histories.