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Journal of Public Health
Published in: Journal of Public Health 8/2023

Open Access 15-12-2021 | Sexually Transmitted Infection | Original Article

Effects of mental health and substance use disorder symptoms on the association between STDs and sexual identity: evidence from the 2017–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Authors: David Adzrago, Samuel H. Nyarko, Nnenna Ananaba, Christine Markham

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 8/2023

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Abstract

Background

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases are rising in the USA, especially among sexual and gender minorities, despite the availability of numerous STD prevention programs. We examined the differences in STD prevalence among sexual and gender minority subgroups with major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence.

Methods

We combined 2017, 2018, and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) public-use data on adults (N = 127,584) to conduct weighted multivariable logistic regression and margins analyses.

Results

Approximately 2.05% of the population reported having STDs. The population that had major depressive episode symptoms (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.46, 1.99), alcohol use dependence (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.16), illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.73, 2.92), or marijuana use dependence (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.57, 2.31) had higher odds of contracting STDs compared to their counterparts. Lesbian/gay (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.24, 3.54) and bisexual (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.60, 2.37) individuals had higher odds of contracting STDs. Lesbians/gays with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use dependence, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of having STDs, compared to bisexuals and heterosexuals with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence. Bisexuals with marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of STD contraction compared to their lesbian/gay and heterosexual counterparts. Within each sexual identity subgroup, the probability of having STDs was higher for individuals with major depressive episode symptoms, or dependence on alcohol use, illicit drug use other than marijuana use, or marijuana use compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

Major depressive episode symptoms, substance use dependence, and sexual and gender minority status had higher risks for STD diagnosis, particularly for sexual and gender minorities with major depressive episode symptoms or substance use dependence. Tailored interventions based on major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence may reduce the prevalence of STD, especially among sexual and gender minorities.
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Metadata
Title
Effects of mental health and substance use disorder symptoms on the association between STDs and sexual identity: evidence from the 2017–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors
David Adzrago
Samuel H. Nyarko
Nnenna Ananaba
Christine Markham
Publication date
15-12-2021
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Journal of Public Health / Issue 8/2023
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-021-01683-y

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