Citation

Khan MR, Berger AT, Wells BE, Cleland CM. Am. J. Public Health 2012; 102(5): 867-876.

Affiliation

Maria R. Khan is with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park. Amanda T. Berger is with the Department of Fertility and Family Structure, Child Trends, Washington, DC. Brooke E. Wells is with the Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), Hunter College, New York, NY. Charles M. Cleland is with the NYU College of Nursing, New York, NY.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2011.300373

PMID

22493999

Abstract

Objectives. We examined race differences in the longitudinal associations between adolescent alcohol use and adulthood sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk in the United States. Methods. We estimated multivariable logistic regression models using Waves I (1994-1995: adolescence) and III (2001-2002: young adulthood) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 10 783) to estimate associations and assess differences between Whites and African Americans. Results. In adjusted analyses, adolescent alcohol indicators predicted adulthood inconsistent condom use for both races but were significantly stronger, more consistent predictors of elevated partnership levels for African Americans than Whites. Among African Americans but not Whites, self-reported STI was predicted by adolescent report of any prior use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 2.17) and past-year history of getting drunk (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.01, 2.32). Among Whites but not African Americans, biologically confirmed STI was predicted by adolescent report of past-year history of getting drunk (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.63) and consistent drinking (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.03, 2.65). Conclusions. African American and White adolescent drinkers are priority populations for STI prevention. Prevention of adolescent alcohol use may contribute to reductions in adulthood STI risk.

Language: en