Citation
Ford, Jodi L. & Browning, Christopher R. (2011). Neighborhood social disorganization and the acquisition of trichomoniasis among young adults in the United States. American Journal of Public Health. vol. 101 (9) pp. 1696-1703 , PMCID: PMC3154224Abstract
ObjectiveTo examine relationships between neighborhood social disorganization and trichomoniasis among young adults in the U.S.
Methods
Multilevel logistic regression modeling was employed using secondary data from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (2001-2002). The dependent variable –trichomoniasis was measured via urine testing. Neighborhood social disorganization was measured via 4 indicators from the 2000 U.S. Census: racial and ethnic composition, concentrated poverty and residential instability. The sample was comprised of 11,370 individuals across 4,912 neighborhoods.
Results
Trichomoniasis was more likely to occur in neighborhoods with higher concentrations of Black residents (AOR=1.16, 95% CI=1.03, 1.30). However, this association was mediated by neighborhood concentrated poverty. Furthermore, young adults who lived in neighborhoods with higher concentrations of poverty were significantly more likely to have trichomoniasis (AOR=1.25, 95% CI=1.07, 1.46). Neither immigrant concentration nor residential instability was significantly associated with trichomoniasis.
Conclusions
These findings strengthen the evidence that neighborhood structural conditions are associated with individual STI acquisition. Research is needed to explore the mechanisms through which these conditions influence STI. In addition, STI prevention programs that include structural interventions targeting neighborhood disadvantage are needed.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300213Reference Type
Journal ArticleJournal Title
American Journal of Public HealthAuthor(s)
Ford, Jodi L.Browning, Christopher R.