J Korean Med Sci.  2017 Nov;32(11):1771-1778. 10.3346/jkms.2017.32.11.1771.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Sexually Transmitted Infections among Korean Adolescents under Probation

• Park JJ
• Seo YB
• Jeong S
• Lee J

• KMID: 2390302
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2017.32.11.1771

Abstract

There is limited research on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents in Korea. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of and risk factors for STIs among Korean adolescents under probation. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in one juvenile-delinquent center and five probation offices in Korea to determine the prevalence of STIs caused by the following pathogens: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Treponema pallidum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum. Of the 237 (208 male and 29 female) participating adolescents, 152 (64.1%) had a history of coitus. Overall, 133 (56.1%) subjects tested positive for at least one microorganism in their genitourinary tract. The most prevalent pathogen was U. urealyticum (24.7%, n = 65), followed by U. parvum (24.1%, n = 57), M. hominis (17.3%, n = 41), C. trachomatis (13.9%, n = 33), N. gonorrhoeae (1.7%, n = 4), T. vaginalis (0.8%, n = 2), and HSV (0.8%, n = 2). The prevalence of syphilis was 0.8% (n = 2). There were no reported cases of HIV infection. Fifty-four participants (35.5%) were positive with more than two pathogens. We did not find any significant difference between STIs and socioeconomic factors, behavioral factors or sexual practices. In conclusion, the prevalence of STIs among adolescents under probation was high. Systematic screening programs, more practical sexual education, and adequate provision of treatment are essential for the prevention and management of STIs among adolescents, especially those under probation.

Keyword

Adolescent; Chlamydia trachomatis; Mycoplasma; Neisseria gonorrhoeae

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Chlamydia trachomatis
Coitus
Cross-Sectional Studies
Education
HIV
HIV Infections
Humans
Korea
Male
Mass Screening
Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma genitalium
Mycoplasma hominis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Prevalence*
Risk Factors*
Sexually Transmitted Diseases*
Simplexvirus
Socioeconomic Factors
Syphilis
Treponema pallidum
Trichomonas vaginalis
Ureaplasma
Ureaplasma urealyticum

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