Risk behaviours and prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae genital infections among Montreal street youth

• Published in: International journal of STD & AIDS Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 238 - 245
• Main Authors: HALEY, N, ROY, E, LECLERC, P, LAMBERT, G, BOIVIN, J. F, CEDRAS, L, VINCELETTE, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.04.2002; Royal Society of Medicine Press
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; AIDS/HIV; Bacterial diseases; Bacterial diseases of the genital system; Biological and medical sciences; Canada - epidemiology; Chlamydia Infections - epidemiology; Chlamydia Infections - etiology; Chlamydia trachomatis; Female; Genital Diseases, Female - epidemiology; Genital Diseases, Female - etiology; Genital Diseases, Male - epidemiology; Genital Diseases, Male - etiology; Gonorrhea - epidemiology; Gonorrhea - etiology; Human bacterial diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Male; Medical sciences; Prevalence; Risk-Taking; Canada; North America; America; PREVALENCE; HOMELESS YOUTH; CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS; NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE; RISK FACTORS; PREGNANCY; Human; Prevalence; Chlamydiaceae; Neisseriaceae; Genital system; Chlamydia trachomatis; Epidemiology; Infection; Gonococcal infection; Sexually transmitted disease; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Adolescent; Risk factor; Bacteriosis; Chlamydiales; Bacteria; Micrococcales; Chlamydiosis
• ISSN: 0956-4624; 1758-1052
• DOI: 10.1258/0956462021925036

We estimated the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae genital tract infections among 302 Montreal street youth (223 boys) and identified associated risk factors. Study participants, 14-25 years old (average 20.9 years), meeting specific criteria for homelessness, were recruited in street youth agencies. Participation included a structured interview and provision of a urine specimen. Among sexually active youth, (n = 300) 30.0% had more than five heterosexual partners and 13.0% had at least one homosexual partner (last year), 10.7% had received money in exchange for sex (last six months) and 47.0% reported sexual relations resulting in pregnancy (lifetime). Among all youths, 82.1% had used at least one type of illicit drug, and 30.1% injected drugs at least once (last six months). The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 6.6% (95% CI 4.1-10.0%). Prevalence did not vary significantly by sex, age or any other variable, except history of pregnancy (10.4% among youth with history of pregnancy vs 3.6% among others, P = 0.02). No cases of N. gonorrhoeae infection were found.