Researchers discover high rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea among arrestees

Behaviors that are known to increase individuals' risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) include engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners and using intravenous drugs.

These are sometimes referred to as risky behaviors. Individuals who engage in high-risk behaviors like criminal activity may be more likely to partake in those that are known to increase the risk of being diagnosed with an STD.

A recent study conducted by researchers from Arizona State University's Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety found a high prevalence of STDs in arrestees in Maricopa County, compared to the general population.

The study's results showed that Maricopa County residents who had been through the judicial system were nearly 24 and 55 times more likely to be infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea, respectively. The findings showed that female arrestees had a more than 80 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with chlamydia, compared to women who had never been arrested.

"Hopefully this information will be used to target resources on this high risk group to contain health care costs and to reduce STDs in the county," said Charles Katz, Watts Family Director for ASU’s Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prvention states that there are more than 19 million new cases of STDs reported each year in the U.S.