New sex partner acquisition and sexually transmitted disease risk among adolescent females.

PURPOSE

To determine the association between new sex partner acquisition and incident STDs, to describe predictors of acquiring a new sex partner, and to compare new and established sex partnerships among adolescent females.

METHODS

Interview data and biological specimens for STD testing were collected from a sample of 411 adolescent females (average age 17.3 years, 44% black and 42% Hispanic) enrolled in a longitudinal study. The relationship between having a new sex partner and incident STD infection was estimated with logistic regression.

RESULTS

Acquisition of a new sex partner during the 12-month follow-up period was common (24%) and significantly associated with an incident STD infection (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.6-5.7). Predictors of new partner acquisition were younger age, younger age at first intercourse, and alcohol or drug use before sex in past 30 days. Being in a new partnership was significantly associated with greater uncertainty about the partners' STD history and recent sex with others.

CONCLUSIONS

Being in a new sex partnership is an important predictor of incident STD infection. Awareness of this risk can help clinicians identify individuals who are more likely to get STDs and therefore target STD testing and appropriate prevention messages.