Abstract_Williams_ThaliaPHD2014
- 1. 1 TITLE: Longitudinal Predictors of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among African American Adolescents AUTHORS Williams, T. M; PhD. Graduate, Walden University College of Health Sciences Lockett, C; Walden University College of Health Sciences Panas, R; Walden University College of Health Sciences BACKGROUND: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans acquire chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at rates 12 to 20 times higher than their Caucasian counterparts. Prior research has continued to focus on relationships between individual-level behaviors and high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). This study examined the epidemiologic triangle and the connection between chlamydia infection (agent), African Americans (host) and neighborhood safety (environment). METHODS: Using secondary data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), the impact of adolescent (Wave I) ecosocial and psychosocial variables was examined on young adulthood (Wave III) sexual risk behaviors and biomarker chlamydia infection. The sample consisted of 4,866 Wave I and 3,644 Wave III African American and Caucasian adolescents (ages 12-17) and young adults (ages 18-28). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted in SPSS V. 20, Grad-Pak. RESULTS: Wave I depression, and neighborhood safety were associated with total number of different sex partners (≥3) in 12 months at Wave III (P = 0.007). Wave I neighborhood safety was also associated with chlamydia infection at Wave III (P = 0.02). Wave I neighborhood safety predicted condom use (O. R.: 1.63, 95% C. I.; 1.07, 2.50) and Wave I delinquency-selling drugs (≥5 times/week) predicted chlamydia infection among African American young adults (O. R.: 2.20, 95% C. I.: 1.06, 4.54). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This study expanded the knowledge of racial disparities in STDs. African American young adults in this study, living in safe neighborhoods were at lower risk of STDs. Most notably, some STDs are associated with future HIV infection. Therefore, public health implications reflect epidemiological practices and policies that disrupt the triangular connection between African Americans, chlamydia, and the environment.