Ethnic differences in STD rates among female adolescents

Ethnic differences in rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were examined in a sample of 205 female adolescents receiving care at two family planning clinics in Houston, Texas. New infection and reinfection rates following treatment were also investigated. Black teens had a higher rate of past STDs than did Hispanic or White teens. However, there were no differences in rates at the time of the clinic visit. Of the 143 (69.8%) teens who returned for follow-up care, 21 (14.7%) had new infections; Black teens had the highest rate. The findings indicated that programs for teens need to address cultural, ethnic, and gender issues.