STI prevalence was high among newly incarcerated young women

Sexually transmitted infections disproportionately affect incarcerated women in contrast to the general female population. Two studies have shown chlamydia and gonorrhea rates among incarcerated women to be 7% and 1.8% and 3% and 0.2%, respectively. Diagnosis of STI in women who may become incarcerated may be delayed as they have limited access to health care and limited personal resources. Incarceration may provide an unique opportunity for STI health-care services and prevention education. This study examined the demographic and behavioral characteristics in incarcerated women to determine which characteristics are associated with prevalent STIs.