Files and links (1)
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2025CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Assessing STI and HIV risks among autistic individuals: Implications for healthcare access and intervention
Disability and health journal, v 18(3), 101780
Jul 2025
PMID: 39961742
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent in the general population. Autistic individuals, both with and without intellectual disability (ID), are potentially at increased risk due to gaps in sexual health education, increased vulnerability to sexual abuse, victimization, and disparities in access to primary and reproductive health care.
This study aims to identify the prevalence of STIs and HIV among a national sample of Medicaid-enrolled autistic individuals and their peers, identifying opportunities for intervention.
Characteristics of autistic Medicaid beneficiaries with and without ID were stratified to compare individuals with and without chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Period prevalence of outcomes among Medicaid enrollees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) only, ID only, and both (ASD and ID) were compared.
Among autistic individuals, the prevalence of STIs and HIV was highest in the 22-30 age group and among Black enrollees, underscoring the importance of prioritizing their care through screening and preventive health measures.
The results emphasize gaps in addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of autistic individuals. Policymakers should prioritize funding for clinician training and increased healthcare access to address the sexual health needs of this population, especially those from additionally marginalized communities. It is vital to provide inclusive care that addresses the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals in accessing appropriate sexual health resources.
Metrics
16 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Assessing STI and HIV risks among autistic individuals: Implications for healthcare access and intervention
- Creators
- Kiley J McLean (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism InstituteMolly Sadowsky - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism InstituteArina Chesnokova - University of PennsylvaniaKyle Chvasta - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism InstituteWei-Lin Lee - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism InstituteJonas Ventimiglia - Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism InstituteLindsay Shea - Drexel University, Urban Health Collaborative
- Publication Details
- Disability and health journal, v 18(3), 101780
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 5
- Grant note
- Health Resources and Services Administration UT6MC45902; UT2MC39440
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute; Health Management and Policy
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001508995800003
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85217806509
- Other Identifier
- 991022029137104721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Health Care Sciences & Services
- Health Policy & Services
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
- Rehabilitation