Prevalence and predictors of sexually transmitted infection among newly incarcerated females.
OBJECTIVE
To examine demographic and behavioral characteristics in incarcerated women to determine which characteristics are associated with prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).


METHODS
A cross-sectional analysis of data of 205 women entering jail in Rhode Island was performed as part of a study evaluating a family planning program. Women were recruited near time of commitment, and inclusion was limited to women at risk for an unplanned pregnancy. Incarcerated women were interviewed by a research assistant for demographic information, psychosocial and behavioral characteristics. Self-collected vaginal swabs were tested for STIs, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction and Trichomonas vaginalis by InPouch culture. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using Poisson regression.


RESULTS
Sixty-eight of 205 patients tested positive for an STI [33%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 27-40%]. Forty-five patients (26%) tested positive for T. vaginalis, 27 (14%) were positive for C. trachomatis, and 21 (11%) were positive for N. gonorrhoeae. On bivariate analysis, 6 or more sexual partners in the last year (RR 1.84; 95% CI 1.01-3.36), exchanging sex for drugs/money (RR 1.65; 95% CI 1.01-2.69), and homelessness (RR 1.82; 95% CI 1.07-3.09) were associated with STI. After adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, education, and other covariates, none of the factors was significantly associated with STI.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of STI in this jail population is high. Incarceration represents a unique opportunity to evaluate and treat this underserved population. Predictors of infection are limited and infection is common; therefore, routine screening should be considered in this population.
Willers
Denise M
DM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA. willersd@wustl.edu
Peipert
Jeffrey F
JF
Allsworth
Jenifer E
JE
Stein
Michael D
MD
Rose
Jennifer S
JS
Clarke
Jennifer G
JG
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011329:Prisoners; D012237:Rhode Island / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*