Prevalence and determinants of sexually transmitted diseases: an analysis of young Jamaican males.
BACKGROUND
Jamaican adolescents have high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).


OBJECTIVE
Since the sexual behaviors that put an individual at risk for HIV are the same as for other STDs, the prevalence and determinants of STD symptoms among a sample of young Jamaican males were examined.


METHODS
As part of the 1997 Reproductive Health Survey, male adolescents and young adults in Jamaica were surveyed about symptoms of STDs and related sex behaviors.


RESULTS
Overall, 9% of the sample reported symptoms of STDs in the year before the interview. Rates of high-risk sexual behaviors were high. Logistic regression analyses indicated that being older and having multiple sex partners were associated with having symptoms of STDs.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention programs should recognize that various factors can increase the risk of contracting and transmitting STDs, including HIV. Interventions should be targeted to those with high-risk behaviors that are conducive to continued participation in high-risk sexual behaviors.
Norman
Lisa R
LR
Centre for Population, Community and Social Change, Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. ladyle64@yahoo.com
Uche
Chukwudum
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007563:Jamaica / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors