Sexually transmitted infection testing and diagnosis in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and disproportionately affect Black adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Less is known about STIs among Black AYAs with chronic conditions, such as sickle cell disease (AYAs‐SCD). This study compared STI testing and diagnosis between AYAs‐SCD and their peers, overall and among STI‐related encounters. Procedure This retrospective, cross‐sectional study used diagnosis and billing codes in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) to identify inpatient and emergency department encounters from January 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 among all AYAs 15–24 years and those with STI‐related diagnoses (e.g., “cystitis”). STI testing and diagnosis rates were compared between AYAs‐SCD, non‐Black AYAs, and Black AYAs, controlling for age, sex, and encounter setting. Results We identified 3602 AYAs‐SCD, 177,783 Black AYAs, and 534,495 non‐Black AYAs. AYAs‐SCD were less likely to be tested for STIs than non‐Black AYAs (odds ratio [OR] = 0.26; adj. p