High Prevalence of Asymptomatic STDs in Incarcerated Minority Male Youth: A Case for Screening

Background and Objectives: To assess STD prevalence among a sample of incarcerated minority male youth in a southern US city. Methods: A consecutive entrant, cross‐sectional study of 284 minority males 14 to 18 years was performed. All adolescents were screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia using ligase chain reaction tests. Results: Eighteen percent of youth were identified as having either gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both. Approximately 84% of those with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) self‐reported having no symptoms. Failure to use condoms in the past month was significantly associated with a positive test result for STDs (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1‐3.3). Conclusions: The findings indicate an urgent need for routine STD screening and STD‐prevention programs for adolescent males in detention facilities. A study of 284 detained black male adolescents revealed 18% prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both. Approximately 84% of those with sexually transmitted diseases self‐reported not having symptoms.