A synthesized autoregressive latent trajectory model of the theory of reasoned action of the epidemiology of chlamydia among adolescents

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) can be life threatening and lead to many long lasting health complications, especially for women. STIs in general, but specifically chlamydia, are most prevalent in women in the 15–24 age group. STI transmission is primarily associated with sexual intercourse and subject to norms and constraints. Medical analysis tends to neglect the possible constraint of the quality of relationships on STI transmission. The objectives of this research were to explore the association between different relationship qualities, condom use and chlamydia transmission across time. Attachment theory was used to identify several aspects of relationship quality on sexual decision-making as specified by TRA among adolescent females. Structural Equation Modeling using LISREL was used to build 2 autoregressive models at three time points to test the hypotheses that female adolescents in strong emotional relationships would be less likely to employ self-protection. Subsequently, lack of self-protection would result in higher levels of chlamydia infections. A sample of 336 females attending STD Clinics in the Indianapolis metropolitan area provided data for this project. A significant negative relation was established between relationship quality and condom use. This variable in turn was positively correlated with exposure. Relationship quality and frequency of coitus are negatively associated with partner change. Relationship quality also had a negative effect on the Intention to use condoms that was significantly correlated with exposure. Exposure predicted chlamydia infection. Results demonstrate the need for pre-intervention programs to address both members in adolescent romantic relationships and that aims to reduce the transmission of chlamydia by reducing coitus would be ineffective