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This study examines the relationship between age mixing patterns in partnerships and STI prevalence in sexually-active women in the U.S. using data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth. Results show varying impacts of age mixing on STIs across different age groups. Future research areas and implications for targeted interventions are discussed.
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Patterns of Age Mixing and Sexually Transmitted Infections Julie Kraut-Becher University of Pennsylvania Sevgi O. Aral Division of STD Prevention, CDC
Age Mixing • Population-level determinant • Spread of HIV • Africa • Gay men • Individual-level risk factor • Risky behavior • Unprotected vaginal sex • Lack of consistent condom use
Age Mixing • Increase STI incidence • Directly • Exposure to partner pools with higher STI prevalence • Indirectly • Partnerships marked by power imbalance • Practice of safer sex is difficult
Objectives • Describe age mixing patterns • Nationally representative sample of reproductive age, sexually-active U.S. women • Relate these patterns to self-reported STI history • STI diagnosis or testing or treatment
Methods • Data • 1995 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) • Sample • N = 9,272 sexually-active women 15-44 years of age • Valid birth date information for themselves and their partner
Methods • Age Difference • Computed for current or most recent partnership • Age difference < 0 • Younger male partner • Age difference > 0 • Older male partner
Methods • Assess extent of age mixing • Describe patterns of age mixing • Sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics • STI history • Examine association between age mixing and STI test, treatment, and diagnosis • Nationally representative sample • Sample weights
Results • 15-17 year-old females
Results • 18-19 year-old females
Results • 20-24 year-old females
Results • 25-29 year-old females
Results • 30-34 year-old females
Results • 35-39 year-old females
Results • 40-44 year-old females
Limitations • Self reports of STI information • STI diagnoses not temporally defined • Cannot determine the causal nature of association between partnership characteristics and STI
Conclusions • Large extent of age mixing • Age mixing varies over the life course • The effect of age mixing on STI varies over the life course
Conclusions • Future research • Biomarkers vs. self-reports • Specific infections • Race/ethnicity specific • Program • Ask about age mixing with current sex partners • Screening parameter • Target interventions