Abstract
Objective: We examined whether psychotropic medication (PTM) use was related to testing positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea among detained adolescents. Methods: A convenience sample of 550 detained adolescents ages 14-18. years were recruited from eight youth detention centers in Georgia. Using A-CASI technology, data was collected on demographic factors, use of PTM, and sexual risk behaviors. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea diagnoses were assessed by laboratory testing. Results: Thirteen percent (13.1%) of adolescents not using PTMs tested positive for STIs compared to only 4.9% of those reporting PTM use. PTM users had a 62% smaller odds ratio for testing positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Conclusion: Findings suggest that use of psychotropic medication, if deemed useful by detained youth, may be a protective factor against engaging in behaviors which may culminate in contracting some STDs. The practice implications are discussed within the context of these findings.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1527-1530 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Children and Youth Services Review |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2011 |
Keywords
- Adolescents
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Medication use
- STDs
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Sociology and Political Science