Citation
Gassman, Ruth & Kim, Nayoung (2015). Differential predictors of Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs) testing in male and female young adults aged 20 to 24 years: Evidence from a national study. American Public Health Association 143rd Annual Meeting and Exposition. Chicago, IL.Abstract
Background. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) testing is a crucial component to primary, secondary, and tertiary communicable disease prevention. While the prevalence of STDs in young adults in the U.S. has dramatically increased over the past decades, there are dangerously low rates of 20 to 24 year olds tested for STDs.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate gender disparities in the prevalence of STD testing and examine the differential predictors, including demographics, behavioral and psychological factors, of STD testing for male and female young adults aged 20 to 24 years.
Methods. Data were analyzed from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) Restricted-Use Data (n=10454). Multivariate logistic regression models separately were performed for males and females, taking account for complex stratifies cluster sampling design and weights with SAS 9.4.
Results. The prevalence of STD testing for males and females is 17.7% (n=862) and 34.5% (n=1921), respectively. For both males and females, being black and having multiple sex partners and having STDs in the past year increased the odds of STD testing (ps <.05). Depression is significantly associated with STD testing in males only while binge drinking and ever using marijuana are related to STD testing in females only (ps <.05).
Conclusion. Psychological factors are important for STD testing in males while alcohol and substance use behaviors are crucial for STD testing in females. Gender-specific approaches should be considered in the design of future strategies that promote STD testing in young adults.
URL
https://apha.confex.com/apha/143am/webprogram/Paper336948.htmlReference Type
Conference proceedingBook Title
American Public Health Association 143rd Annual Meeting and ExpositionAuthor(s)
Gassman, RuthKim, Nayoung