Examining the relationship between psychotropic medication use and testing positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea among detained adolescents

Dexter R. Voisin, Torrie T. Harris, Richard A. Crosby, Laura F. Salazar and Ralph J. DiClemente

Children and Youth Services Review, 2011, vol. 33, issue 9, 1527-1530

Abstract: Objective We examined whether psychotropic medication (PTM) use was related to testing positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea among detained adolescents.Methods A convenience sample of 550 detained adolescents ages 14-18Â years were recruited from eight youth detention centers in Georgia. Using A-CASI technology, data was collected on demographic factors, use of PTM, and sexual risk behaviors. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea diagnoses were assessed by laboratory testing.Results Thirteen percent (13.1%) of adolescents not using PTMs tested positive for STIs compared to only 4.9% of those reporting PTM use. PTM users had a 62% smaller odds ratio for testing positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea.Conclusion Findings suggest that use of psychotropic medication, if deemed useful by detained youth, may be a protective factor against engaging in behaviors which may culminate in contracting some STDs. The practice implications are discussed within the context of these findings.

Keywords: Medication; use; Chlamydia; Gonorrhea; STDs; Adolescents (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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