Individual and Community Level Factors in the STD Status of JJ Youth

• In Event: Vulnerabilities and Risks Among Justice-Involved Youth

Abstract

Justice-involved youth display higher prevalence rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), in comparison to the general public, highlighting a critical public health concern. Individual factors are important predictors of STDs, but only provide a partial understanding of this public health issue. According to social disorganization theory communities experiencing higher levels of disorder and lower levels of cohesion tend to have fewer institutional resources available, which may impact sexual risk behavior and STDs. However, few studies have examined the association between community characteristics and STD prevalence among justice involved adolescents. Informed by social disorganization theory, the current study explores individual-level attributes and community-level characteristics in explaining STDs among justice-involved youth. Results indicate a number of individual and community level factors, reflecting community disadvantage, significantly relate to delinquent youths' STD status, with effects varying by gender. Findings suggest a gendered perspective is important for understanding individual-level characteristics affecting STD infection. Support is also found for a growing body of literature suggesting community factors affect adolescent sexual behavior. The justice system represents a critical opportunity in the treatment and prevention of STDs for youth.

Authors

• Jennifer Wareham, Wayne State University

• Richard Dembo, University of South Florida

• Jessica Faber, ACTS, Inc.

• Jennifer Cristiano, ACTS, Inc.

• Julie Krupa, University of South Florida

• James Schmeidler, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine

• Asha Terminello, ACTS, Inc.

• Ralph J. DiClemente, Emory University