Laboratory-diagnosed sexually transmitted infections in former foster youth compared with peers.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between having resided in foster care and risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI) during young adulthood.


METHODS
Multiple regression analyses were performed by using Waves I to III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (1994-2002) to evaluate the association between foster care status and STI biomarkers and risk behaviors. Female (N = 7563) and male participants (N = 6759) were evaluated separately. Covariates in all models included baseline age, race, ethnicity, parental education level, parental income level, and average neighborhood household income level.


RESULTS
Female participants who had been in foster care were more likely to have Trichomonas (odds ratio [OR]: 3.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-7.23) but not gonorrhea or chlamydia and reported increased sexual risk behaviors compared with nonfostered peers. Male participants who had been in foster care were more likely to have both gonorrhea (OR: 14.28 [95% CI: 2.07-98.28]) and chlamydia (OR: 3.07 [95% CI: 1.36-6.96]) but not Trichomonas and did not report a higher risk for most sexual risk behaviors than nonfostered peers.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that individuals who have been in foster care are at increased risk for STIs during young adulthood. The pattern of exposure may differ between male and female individuals. If findings are confirmed, they suggest that health care providers who work with these youth should adjust their STI screening practices. Child welfare agencies should also consider targeted interventions to reduce STI risk in this population.
Ahrens
Kym R
KR
Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. kym.ahrens@seattlechildrens.org
Richardson
Laura P
LP
Courtney
Mark E
ME
McCarty
Carolyn
C
Simoni
Jane
J
Katon
Wayne
W
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010379:Peer Group; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012309:Risk-Taking; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D055815:Young Adult