High School Dropouts and Sexually Transmitted Infections

45 Pages Posted: 3 Apr 2011 Last revised: 30 Aug 2012

See all articles by D. Mark Anderson

D. Mark Anderson

Montana State University - Bozeman

Claus C. Pörtner

Seattle University - Albers School of Business and Economics; Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology

Date Written: August 27, 2012

Abstract

People who drop out of high school fare worse in many aspects of life. We analyze whether there is an effect of dropping out of high school on the probability of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Previous studies on the relationship between dropout status and sexual outcomes have not empirically addressed self-selection effects. Using individual fixed effects estimations we find strong evidence that dropping out increases the risk of contracting an STI for females. Furthermore, we present evidence that illustrates differences between the romantic partners of dropouts versus enrolled students. These differences suggest that female dropouts may be more susceptible to contracting STIs because they partner with significantly different types of people than non-dropouts. Our results point to a previously undocumented benefit of encouraging those at risk of dropping out to stay in school longer.

Keywords: Education, High school dropouts, Risky behavior, Sexually transmitted infections, Add Health

JEL Classification: I10, I20, J13

Suggested Citation

Anderson, D. Mark and Pörtner, Claus C., High School Dropouts and Sexually Transmitted Infections (August 27, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1789857 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1789857

D. Mark Anderson

Montana State University - Bozeman ( email )

Bozeman, MT 59717-2920
United States

Claus C. Pörtner (Contact Author)

Seattle University - Albers School of Business and Economics ( email )

901 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
United States
206-296-2539 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.clausportner.com

Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology ( email )

206 Raitt Hall
Box 353412
Seattle, WA 98195-3412
United States

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