Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in Youth Correctional Facilities, Utah, USA

Abstract

We reviewed data obtained in October 2021–May 2023 from youth who reported a history of sexual activity upon admission to 1 of 12 juvenile justice facilities in Utah, USA, that offered screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Urinalysis revealed C. trachomatis positivity of 10.77%, N. gonorrhoeae positivity of 1.08%, and coinfection C. trachomatis N. gonorrhoeae) of 0.90%. Prevalence of infection was similar for youths in rural and urban facilities. A total of 12.01% of those identifying as male and 14.01% of those identifying as female tested positive for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, or coinfection. Of young adults who tested positive, 74.65% received their results while incarcerated, all of whom accepted treatment. Our research underscores the feasibility of providing prompt C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae screening and treatment in juvenile correctional facilities. The pervasiveness of infection emphasizes the urgent need for early identification and treatment for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in incarcerated youth nationwide.

Keywords

• Chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• Utah
• youth correctional facilities
• juvenile justice
• adolescent medicine