Background: Few recent studies have determined the prevalence and incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) among adolescents.
Goal: The goal of this study was to determine these parameters among incarcerated youths.
Study design: Both on admission and during incarceration, consecutive adolescents entering the Harris County, Texas, Juvenile Detention Center were evaluated for symptoms of PID. One of two experienced clinicians examined adolescents with possible PID. For the diagnosis of PID, we used the minimal criteria of the CDC.
Results: In sexually active heterosexual or bisexual adolescents (N = 313), the prevalence of PID at admission was 4.5%; during the first 31 days of incarceration, the incidence density of PID was 3.3 cases/100 person-months, and the cumulative incidence was 2.2%. The prevalence among these youths of chlamydial and/or gonorrheal infection, as determined by urine or cervical testing, was 24.9%.
Conclusion: The high prevalence and incidence of PID underscore the need for effective programs to eradicate chlamydial and gonorrheal infections in high-risk youths.