NCJ Number
219112
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2007 Pages: 5-7,27,28
Date Published
January 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Based on diagnostic health screening of adolescents admitted to a correctional center from June 1 to July 31, 2004, this study shows the potential for juvenile correctional-facility admissions to be universally screened for chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease whose consequences include pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy.
Abstract
Of the 50 12-18 year-old adolescents screened 9 females, and 41 males, 4 percent 1 male and 1 female tested positive for chlamydia. In addition, 90 percent of sexually active males and 78 percent of sexually active females had multiple partners; and 54 percent of males and 67 percent of females engaged in unprotected sex. The Gen-Probe APTIMA combo 2 Assay, a urine test, proved to be an easy, reliable, and cost-effective screening tool for this at-risk adolescent population. Timely screening of a population that is temporarily detained provides an opportunity for treatment and counseling before release for those infected with chlamydia. Successful strategies for improving health-seeking behaviors include teaching the proper use of condoms and the assistance of nurses in partner notification and treatment to prevent the occurrence of reinfection. The tested sample included adolescents admitted to a youth correctional center who had not been on antibiotics within the previous 3 weeks and who gave verbal consent for the screening. They were informed of the risks and long-term effects of chlamydia as well as the importance of being screened for early detection. 1 table and 19 references