Archived Materials
Jump to topics:
School-Based Health Center Access, Reproductive Health Care, and Contraceptive Use Among Sexually Experienced High School Students. Ethier KA, et al.; Journal of Adolescent Health 48 (2011) 562–565. The current analyses compared receipt of reproductive health care, contraceptive use, and screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among adolescentswhoare sexually experienced, with or withoutaccess to a school clinic.
Risk-Taking Behaviors of Adolescents with Extreme Obesity: Normative or Not? Ratcliff MB, et al.; Pediatrics (2011; doi:10.1542/peds.2010-2742); originally published online April 25, 2011; http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/5/827.full.html . A new analysis of federal data by psychologists at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center shows extremely obese teens are just as likely to engage in high-risk behaviors as their normal-weight peers.
Longitudinal Associations Among Relationship Factors, Partner Change and Sexually Transmitted Infection Acquisition in Adolescent Women. Ott MA, et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases Vol. 38; No. 3: P. 153-157 (03.11.11). Even when the partnerships do not overlap, new sex partners put adolescents at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections. In the current study, the authors prospectively examined associations between relationship characteristics, partner change, and subsequent STI during periods of “serial monogamy.”
Back to top
Study: Girls Take More Chances During First Sex. CNN.com (10.11.10) Teenage girls are 30 percent more likely than teenage boys to engage in their first sexual encounter without contraception, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA).
Adolescent Primary Care Visit Patterns. Nordin JD, et al., HealthPartners Research Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Ann Fam Med 2010;8:511-516. From the Abstract: “PURPOSE: Many clinical preventive care services are recommended for adolescents. Little is known about whether most adolescents have a sufficient number of preventive care services visits over time to receive those services. We wanted to measure how frequently adolescents who are insured either through private insurance or government programs have preventive vs. non-preventive care visits.”
Condom Negotiation Strategies and Actual Condom Use Among Latino Youth. Tschann JM, et al., Journal of Adolescent Health Vol. 47; No. 3: P. 254-262(09.2010). Determining which condom negotiation strategies are effective in obtaining, or avoiding, condom use among Latino youths was the goal of this study.
2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data
The Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) released the 2009 national, state, and local Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data in an MMWR Surveillance Summary. YRBS monitors six categories of priority health-risk behaviors among high school students — behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence; tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection; unhealthy dietary behaviors; and physical inactivity — plus the prevalence of asthma and obesity.
This year’s Surveillance Summary includes results from the 2009 National YRBS and from 42 state and 20 local YRBSs. A CDC press release presents new data on the prevalence of prescription drug abuse among high school students and highlights promising trends in nutrition-related health behaviors. In addition, DASH has launched an enhanced version of Youth Online, a web-based data system that allows users to view and analyze national, state, and local YRBS data (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline/). Youth Online provides quick access to comprehensive data on youth health risk behaviors from 1991 through 2009. The press release and the Surveillance Summary are available on the YRBS Web site (www.cdc.gov/yrbs). DASH has also created a new YRBS data widget, a small web program that national, state, and local partners can put on their organization’s Web site to help disseminate YRBS results quickly and conveniently.Users will be able to customize the widget to present data specific to their state or locality and provide links to the full Youth Online for more details. The YRBS data widget is available at www.cdc.gov/widgets. For more information, please contact Chelsea Carlson Payne (cpayne2@cdc.gov), Division of Adolescent and School Health.
Youth Development Articles
An editorial by Gavin, et al., published in a special supplement of the Journal of Adolescent Health (March 2010), introduces and comments upon a compilation of articles about youth development as a strategy to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Such promising discussions are relevant to continuing exploration of community-level approaches to addressing STDs.
This article by Catalano, et al., comments on future directions for positive youth development (PYD) programs, as discussed in the Journal of Adolescent Health supplement (March 2010). Authors conclude that the combination of PYD programs and education on sexuality may be a powerful interventions not only on adolescent sexual and reproductive health but also on adolescent health in general.
House, et al., through a systematic analysis, discuss the role of social and behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and moral competence as a predictor of outcomes related to sexual health practices.
Markham, et al., reviewed literature on connectedness (defined as a child’s social relationships in the family, peer group, school, community, or culture) as a predictor of sexual/reproductive health of teens.
Gavin, et al., reviewed positive youth development programs to identify and improve adolescent sexual health. Authors conclude that these programs may have a positive effect and should be part of a comprehensive approach to improving adolescent sexual health. However, more research in this area is needed.
UNITED STATES: "What About the Boys? Chlamydia Tests for Teens Often Miss Key Factor". Washington Times (02.22.10): Cheryl Wetzstein
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in the United States - 1.2 million cases were documented in 2008 - and young people particularly are at risk. Results from a recent study indicate that testing and treatment efforts targeting only females are not adequate to reduce incidence of the disease.
ALASKA:Rural Youths Can Tap Web for STD Info
Anchorage Daily News (12.04.09):: Kyle Hopkins; Rosemary Shinohara
A new website, iknowmine.org, targets high rates of STDs among Alaska's youth. The site's name refers to a person's STD and HIV status, which public health officials say is positive for too many Alaskans, including a growing number of native Alaskans.
Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents Maltreated Before Age 12: A Prospective Investigation. MM Black, et al.; Pediatrics; Volume 124, Number 3, September 2009
The prospective study by Black. et al., published in the current issue of Pediatrics, demonstrates that maltreatment (physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and neglect) increases the likelihood of early sexual intercourse (by 14 and 16 years of age).
Back to topTrends in Sexual Experience, Contraceptive Use, and Teenage Childbearing: 1992-2002. J Manlove, et al.; Journal of Adolescent Health (2009;44(5):413-423).
A new analysis of data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth for 1992, 1997, and 2002 finds a "dramatic" drop in the percentage of US teens having sex between 1992 and 2002, concurrent with a noticeable rise in contraceptive use by those who were sexually active. But very recent increases in teen pregnancy, after more than a decade-long decline, indicate that improving teens' reproductive health remains a challenge.
Adolescent Health Services: Missing Opportunities
Institute of Medicine http://www.iom.edu/Default.aspx?id=60680
The National Research Council and Institute of Medicine conducted a study on health services for adolescents 10-19 years of age. The study focused on critical health needs of adolescents, promising models of health services, and components of care that could strengthen and improve health services for adolescents and contribute to healthy adolescent behavior. Copies are available for purchase at http://www.iom.edu/Default.aspx?id=60680.
Realizing Health Reform's Potential: Women and the Affordable Care Act of 2010
The Commonwealth Fund; July 2010
This summary from the Commonwealth Fund describes the impact of health reform on women's heath, and the provisions of the Affordable Care Act from 2010-1013 and the 2014 and beyond. Additionally, it clearly outlines how health reform can benefit women and their families, and the required preventative care coverage, as well as what those recommended USPSTF A and B services are—breast and cervical cancer screening and STI screening are listed.
Future of the Safety Net Under Health Reform
MH Katz
JAMA. 2010;304(6):679-680 (doi:10.1001/jama.2010.1126)
UNITED STATES:"New Spending for a Wider Range of Sex Education"
The New York Times (05.11.10):: Roni Caryn Rabin
President Obama's health care overhaul will provide $375 million in comprehensive sex education grants to states over five years. Under the new law, PREP (Personal Responsibility Education Program) will encourage students to delay sexual activity but to use protection if they are already sexually active.
The May 13, 2010 New England Journal of Medicine includes 3 interesting commentaries on health reform that unpack often discussed concerns:
Health Insurance exchanges (Kingsdale)
Tensions of Federalism (Jennings and Hayes)
Cost implications of health reform (Gruber)
A Qualitative Study of Patients' Use of Expedited Partner Therapy. Temkin, E et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 38(7):651-656, July 2011. In randomized controlled trials of expedited partner therapy (EPT), among patients in the EPT arm, the proportion of partners believed to have taken the medication ranged from 56% to 85%. Little is known about the content of successful and unsuccessful EPT negotiations between patients and their partners. The aim of this study was to describe how patients made decisions about EPT and what they did with the EPT medication packs dispensed to them.
Evaluation of an Online Partner Notification Program. Rietmeijer, CA, et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases Vol. 38; No. 5: P. 359-364 (05.11). This study reports on a clinic-based and web-based evaluation of the Colorado inSPOT online partner notification program.
Evaluation of an Online Partner Notification Service for Chlamydia That Offers E-mail and SMS Messaging
Bilardi, et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Volume 37, Number 9, September 2010
AUSTRALIA: "Innovative Resources Could Help Improve Partner Notification for Chlamydia in Primary Care"
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Vol. 36; No. 12: P. 779-783(12.01.09):: Jade E. Bilardi and others
General practitioners in Australia support a wide range of possible resources to improve partner notification for chlamydia, the current report shows.
Evaluation of an Innovative Internet-based Partner Notification Program for Early Syphilis Case Management, Washington, DC, January 2007–June 2008
DC Ehlman, et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Volume 37, Number 8, August 2010
This report from DC on their internet partner notification program should be of interest to everyone. This statement sums it up best for me: "This study found that IPN augmented traditional PN and provided a method for reaching previously untraceable sex partners."
A randomized controlled trial for reducing risks for sexually transmitted infections through enhanced patient-based partner notification. Wilson TE, et al. Am J Public Health. 2009 Apr;99 Suppl 1:S104-10. Epub 2008 Jun 12. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of approaches targeting improved sexually transmitted infection (STI) sexual partner notification through patient referral.
Letter to the Editor: Disease Intervention Specialists as a Corps, Not Corpse. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. This commentary by Potterat offers opinion about the role of DIS.
Cephalosporin Susceptibility Among Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates --- United States, 2000—2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) – Weekly; July 8, 2011 / 60(26);873-877. This report describes current trends in cephalosporin susceptibility among Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in the United States: minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to cephalosporins are increasing, suggesting that susceptibility to cephalosporins might be declining. The prevalence of isolates with elevated MICs remains low overall.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Reduced Susceptibility to Azithromycin --- San Diego County, California, 2009; May 13, 2011 / 60(18);579-581 Available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6018a2.htm?s_cid=mm6018a2_w
Antimicrobial Activity of Flavonoids From Piper lanceaefolium and Other Colombian Medicinal Plants Against Antibiotic Susceptible and Resistant Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Ruddock PS, et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Volume 38, Number 2, February 2011. The successful treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections is increasingly problematic because of the resistance of this pathogen to multiple antimicrobial agents. This development underscores the need for new antimicrobial sources. In the current study, 21 crude methanol extracts, from 19 plants used in Colombian traditional medicine for cutaneous infections, were screened for antimicrobial activity against NG.
Two cases of verified clinical failures using internationally recommended first-line cefixime for gonorrhoea treatment, Norway, 2010. Unemo M, et al.; Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 47, 25 November 2010. This report describes the first two cases outside Japan of verified gonorrhoea clinical failures using internationally recommended first-line cefixime treatment.
Is everyone treated equally? Management of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in New Zealand. Morgan J, et al.; Int'l Journal of STD & AIDS, Vol. 21: No. 8: August 2010, p. 595. Health disparities often reflect inequitable access to appropriate health care. This study aimed to establish if cases of genital chlamydia infection were managed equitably by age, gender and ethnicity in a region of New Zealand with high rates of chlamydia infection (858 per 100,000 population).
Emergence of a new antibiotic resistance mechanism in India, Pakistan, and the UK: a molecular, biological, and epidemiological study
Kumarasamy, et al.; www.thelancet.com/infection Published online August 11, 2010 DOI:10.1016/S1473-3099(10)70143-2
Article describing the spread of antibiotic resistance among gram-negative enterococci (India-Britain), which doesn’t bode well for GC which can pick up and transfer plasmids fairly easily.
Daily Women's Health Policy Report, June 14, 2010
Published by the National Partnership for Women and Families
This British study finds vouchers for no-cost treatment beneficial for partners of Chlamydia patients.
Expedited Partner Therapy - An Opportunity in Military Medicine
This article on expedited partner therapy was published in Military Medicine, Volume 175, Number 1, January 2010
A link to a talk Dr. Charlotte Gaydos gave on Maryland Public Radio about her www.iwantthekit.org site: http://mdmorn.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/6212011/
Bacterial STDs and Perceived Risk Among Sexual Minority Young Adults.
Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health Vol. 43; No. 3: doi:10.1363/4315811(09..11):: Christine E. Kaestle; Martha W. Waller. The authors of this study assessed three indicators of sexual minority status - identity, behavior, and romantic attractions - in 10,986 young adults who took part in Wave 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (2001-02). Associations between these indicators and individuals’ perceived risk for STDs and actual STD infection were examined using logistic regression analyses. Data from the 1,154 respondents with current or recent bacterial STD infections were investigated to determine if they had underestimated their risk.
Webinar Archive Available - Opportunities for Health Plans to Improve Chlamydia Screening Rates. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has the potential to improve identification and treatment of chlamydia infections due to provisions that expand access to coverage, without cost-sharing, for selected preventive services, including chlamydia screening. To explore how health plans can support increased chlamydia screening among their members, the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation and the National Chlamydia Coalition hosted a webinar entitled “Opportunities for Health Plans to Improve Chlamydia Screening Rates” on June 2, 2011.
Evaluation of a broadly protective Chlamydia–cholera combination vaccine candidate. Eko FO, etal.; Vaccine 29 (2011) 3802–3810. The need to simultaneously target infections with epidemiological overlap in the population with a single vaccine provides the basis for developing combination vaccines. Vibrio cholerae ghosts (rVCG) offer an attractive approach for developing vaccines against a number of human and animal pathogens.
Chlamydia Trachomatis Age-Specific Prevalence in Women Who Used an Internet-Based Self-Screening Program Compared to Women Who Were Screened in Family Planning Clinics. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Vol. 38; No. 2: P. 74-78(02..11):: Charlotte A. Gaydos; Mathilda Barnes; Bulbul Aumakhan; Nicole Quinn; Catherine Wright; Patricia Agreda; Pamela Whittle; Terry Hogan. The aim of the current study was to learn whether women who test for chlamydia using self-collected vaginal swabs at home demonstrated a higher positivity than women who tested in family planning clinics.
Use of the Internet and Self-Collected Samples as a Sexually Transmissible Infection Intervention in Rural Illinois Communities. Sexual Health Vol. 8; No. 1: P. 79-85 (01..11):: Wiley D. Jenkins; Charlie Rabins; Mathilda Barnes; Patricia Agreda; Charlotte Gaydos
Chlamydia Screening Among Young Women: Individual- and Provider-Level Differences in Testing. Wiehe SE, et al; Pediatrics 2011;127;e336-e344; originally published online Jan 24, 2011; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-0967. A retrospective cohort study of some 40,000 young females found more blacks and Hispanics were tested for chlamydia compared to their white counterparts. The type of insurance a female had played a role in how likely she was to get screened, the results indicated.
Reduction in Unnecessary Chlamydia Screening Among Older Women at Title X-Funded Family Planning Sites. Bernstein KT, et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Volume 37, Number 12, December 2010. Research article authored in part by IPP participants in region IX (San Francisco). Also included is an accompanying editorial co-authored by Catherine Satterwhite.
CANADA: Grant from Gates Foundation Will Aid Development of Revolutionary New Contraceptive. Ottawa Citizen(11.10.10). An Ottawa scientist has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help develop a vaginal contraceptive that also protects against HIV and other STDs.
Bridging the Gap: Using School-Based Health Services to Improve Chlamydia Screening Among Young Women
R.A. Braun and J.M. Provost
AmJPH September 2010 Vol 100 No. 9; 1624
UNITED STATES: "Utilizing the Internet to Test for Sexually Transmitted Infections: Results of a Survey and Accuracy Testing"
Sexually Transmitted Infections Vol. 86; P. 112-116(04.01.10):: Sherria L. Owens; Nick Arora; Nicole Quinn; Rosanna W. Peeling; King K. Holmes; Charlotte A. Gaydos
Acknowledging that searching the World Wide Web for information about sexually transmitted infections is common, the authors carried out the current study to determine which Internet sites offer STI testing and to obtain information about the services and their validity.
Get Yourself Tested (GYT) Campaign Map
Just so you can keep track of the GYT campaign, check out the attached map, which shows the communities who are getting the promotional kits associated with the campaign. This is a small example of the campaign reach, but valuable to see because it shows the locations where the clinics and providers are most actively engaged.
Randomised controlled trial of screening for Chlamydia trachomatis to prevent pelvic inflammatory disease: the POPI (prevention of pelvic infection) trial
P Oakeshott, et al.; BMJ 2010;340:c1642
This study examines whether Chlamydia screening and treatment reduces incidence of PID over the subsequent 12 months. The trial was known as the Prevention of Pelvic Infection (POPI) trial and took place in England. Authors conclude that though some evidence suggests that Chlamydia screening reduces PID, the effectiveness of a single Ct test in PID prevention may be overestimated. The accompanying editorial by Sheringham expresses concerns this study raises about the feasibility of trials such as this one in informing policy related to national Chlamydia screening programs.
Commentary from Catherine Lindsey Satterwhite, Epidemiologist, Division of STD Prevention, CDC:
A few observations about the trial that I wanted to share:
- The study was underpowered, and this may have made a difference. Results, though non-significant, certainly appear different, suggesting that CT screening was beneficial.
- Of 26 (out of 38) women with PID who had CT results available, 16 were CT positive at PID diagnosis (16/26=62%). So, suggests that CT may be a major contributor to clinically-diagnosed PID.
- However, 10 of the 16 women who were CT positive at PID diagnosis were CT negative at enrollment (when screening would have hypothetically occurred). If these women had actually been seeking healthcare when they were enrolled in the study, this would suggest that screening wouldn’t have helped these 10 women much. But, if 6/16 cases of PID might have been prevented (38%) by screening, that seems pretty good.
- Cost-effectiveness studies may need to be re-done.
- About 10% (7/74) of women with untreated CT (delayed screening group) developed PID over the course of the study (12-months).
AUSTRALIA:"Tripling in Chlamydia Rate Prompts Demand for National Testing"
Sydney Morning Herald (01.13.10): Kate Benson
A tripling of the annual number of Australians diagnosed with chlamydia has health officials calling for a national screening program. In 2009, more than 61,000 people were diagnosed with the STD, compared with 17,000 in 2000.
NEBRASKA:"Bill Would Allow Doctors to Give STD Antibiotics to Patients for Partners" Lincoln Journal Star(01.20.10): Nancy Hicks
State Sen. Amanda McGill (Lincoln) has introduced legislation, LB 992, that would allow doctors to prescribe antibiotics for the sex partners of persons diagnosed with STDs even if the partner refuses to see the physician.
Addressing the high prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia among female sex workers in Indonesia: results of an enhanced, comprehensive intervention. Liesbeth J M, et al.
The authors developed a comprehensive STI-control programme to decrease gonorrhoea and chlamydia prevalence, and increase consistent condom use among brothel-based sex workers in Indonesia.
Repeated Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infections in Adolescent Women.
BE Batteiger,
et al.; Journal of Infectious Diseases; 2010:201 (1 January)
Most repeated chlamydial infections in this high-incidence cohort were reinfections, but repeated infections resulting from treatment failures occurred as well. Our results have implications for male screening and partner notification programs and suggest the need for improved antibiotic therapies.
Do Clinicians Screen Medicaid Patients for Syphilis or HIV When They Diagnose Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases? G Rust, et al. National Center for Primary Care at Morehouse School of Medicine; 2003.
DOI: 10.1097/01.OLQ.0000078652.66397.4C
This article explores missed opportunities to screen patients at risk.
The English National Chlamydia Screening Program: Variations in Positivity in 2007/2008. Simms, et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Vol. 36; No. 8: P. 522-527(08.01.09)
The Sports Preparticipation Exam to Screen College Athletes for Chlamydia trachomatis. Oberto D, et al.; Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181bf53c1
This study assessed the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in the college athlete and the benefit of using the Sports Preparticipation Examination (PPE) as a screening opportunity.
Can E-Technology Through the Internet be Used as a New Tool to Address the Chlamydia trachomatis Epidemic by Home Sampling and Vaginal Swabs? C Gaydos, et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; September 2009; Volume 36, Number 9, 577
Clinic-Based Testing for Rectal and Pharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis Infections by Community-Based Organizations — Five Cities, United States, 2007. MMWR, July 10, 2009; 58(26);716-719
Coverage Is the Key for Effective Screening of Chlamydia trachomatis in Australia
This article by Regan, et al., is a dynamic modeling exercise that examines the impact of different screening approaches on chlamydia prevalence in Australia.
Chlamydia trachomatis Screening to Participate in a Non-Medical Approach to Qualitative Study of Men and Women’s Willingness. Lorimer K, et al.; Sex Transm Inf published online 23 Dec 2008; doi:10.1136/sti.2008.031138
This objective of this study was to explore factors associated with men and women’s willingness to provide a urine sample for Chlamydia trachomatis screening in various non-medical settings.
ACOG Issues Recommendations on Routine Pelvic Exam, Cervical Cytologyhttp://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr05-04-04-1.cfm
Screening for Asymptomatic Chlamydia Infections Among Sexually Active Adolescent Girls During Pediatric Urgent Care. K Tebb, et al.; Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med/Vol 163 (No. 6), June 2009.
A clinical practice intervention (CPI) significantly improved the proportion of adolescent girls screened for chlamydia during urgent care, according to the results of a randomized controlled trial reported in the June issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. The goal of this study was to design and assess an intervention to increase screening for Chlamydia trachomatis in sexually active adolescent girls seen during pediatric urgent care.
Editorial: Approaches to Chlamydia Screening - One Size Does Not Fit All. Diane R. Blake, MD
In this editorial, Dr. Blake discusses the study by Tebb, et al., and the need for new approaches to CT screening.
Improving Screening, Treatment Of Sexually Acquired Infections In Teens. Margaret J. Blythe and Elizabeth M. Alderman; AAP News 2008;29;14.
In this article, Drs. Blythe and Alderman discuss ways that pediatricians can advocate for access to appropriate health care for sexually active teens.
Cost effectiveness analysis of including boys in a human papillomavirus vaccination programme in the United States. Jane J Kim, Sue J Goldie; BMJ 2009;339:b3884
Should HPV vaccine be given to men? BMJ 2009;339:b4127
This article examines the cost effectiveness of including pre-adolescent males in HPV vaccination programs. They conclude that including this population in a vaccination program is not cost effective. The accompanying commentary by Castle and Scarinci supports their conclusions, especially in the current environment where health care costs are so high. They suggest focusing on increasing uptake of pre-adolescent girls.
Pregnancy as a Window of Opportunity for HIV Prevention: Effects of an HIV Intervention Delivered Within Prenatal Care. Kershaw TS, et al.; American Journal of Public Health Vol. 99; No.11: P. 2079-2086 (11.09)
The study team set out to determine if "an HIV prevention program bundled with group prenatal care reduced sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence, repeat pregnancy, sexual risk behavior and psychosocial risks."
“D.C. to Offer STD Tests In Every High School Expansion of Program Draws Praise,” by Darryl Fears and Nelson Hernandez, Washington Post Staff Writers, Wednesday, August 5, 2009.
For Some Sexually Transmitted Infections, Secondary Prevention May Be Primary. Adam Sonfield, Guttmacher Policy Review; Spring 2009; Volume 12, Number 2
For most sexually transmitted infections, testing and treatment is a key strategy to prevent long-term consequences. Screening and treatment to keep sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from causing serious harm is a critical, if under-appreciated, public health intervention, according to a new policy analysis published in the Spring 2009 issue of the Guttmacher Policy Review.
“Chlamydia, the Silent STD That Can Cause Infertility.” by Melinda Beck for The Wall Street Journal; July6, 2009.
This article describes the impact of chlamydia infection which also presents some innovative prevention strategies--such as the GetTested web-based screening program and EPT.
Counseling for STI Prevention: Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Annals of Internal Medicine, 7 October 2008 Annals of Internal Medicine Volume 149 • Number 7 491
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends high-intensity behavioral counseling for all sexually active adolescents and for adults at increased risk for STIs (B recommendation). The USPSTF bases this recommendation on an extensive review of the evidence on the benefits and harms of counseling. The review included studies evaluating behavioral counseling interventions conducted in primary care settings, those judged feasible in primary care, and those to which patients might be referred from primary care. See recommendations attached. More information is also available on the website of the USPSTF.
MMWR Early Release March 24, 2009 / Vol. 58 / Early Release
Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents
Recommendations from CDC, the National Institutes of Health, and the HIV Medicine Association
of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/
Medical Accuracy in Sexuality Education: Ideology and
the Scientific Process
This article by Santelli, published in the American Journal of Public Health, discusses the issue of medical accuracy in sexuality education as it relates to the scientific process and ideologies.
Circumcision Status and Risk of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Meta-analysis
This meta-analysis by Millett, et al., published in JAMA, summarizes the strength of the association between male circumcision and HIV infection as well as other STIs among MSM. Authors conclude that further investigation is needed to substantiate this association in this population. The accompanying editorial by Vermund and Qian further elucidates the findings: Circumcision and HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: No Final Word.
Download document (Millett)
Download document (Vermund)
Lack of Effectiveness of Cellulose Sulfate Gel for the Prevention of Vaginal HIV Transmission
This study by Van Damme L, et al., shows a lack of effectiveness of cellulose sulfate gel for prevention of vaginal HIV transmission. In addition, there was no effect on prevention of gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Virginity Pledges Among the Willing: Delays in First Intercourse and Consistency of Condom Use
This study by Martino SC, et al., offers a different analysis of longitudinal relationships between virginity pledging and sexual initiation and condom use.
Moving Upstream: Ecosocial and Psychosocial Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Adults in the United States
This article by Buffardi AL, et al., examines the correlation between contextual conditions and STI risk in adolescents.
American Indians/Alaska Natives
Risks to health among American Indian/Alaska Native high school students in the United States. Everett Jones S, Anderson K, Lowry R, Conner H.; Prev Chronic Dis. 2011 Jul;8(4):A76. This study examined the prevalence of some of the leading risks to health among nationally representative samples of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) high school students and compared rates across racial/ethnic groups.
PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER - A Journal for Health Professionals working with American Indians and Alaska Natives. Available online at: http://www.ihs.gov/provider/ The purpose of The IHS Primary Care Provider is to facilitate communication and share timely information that is relevant to the clinical practice of Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Indian health care professional providers.
Here is a good resource for health reform information for American Indians and Alaska natives:
http://www.nihb.org/legislative/healthcare_reform.php
New resource: “Toolkit for Integrating HIV Services in Native Health Settings.” This Toolkit is the result of a collaboration between Center for Health Training (CHT) in Oakland, CA and National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC) in Denver, CO. This Toolkit is for health care providers, managers and clinics that serve (or plan to serve) Native people, and that want to start or increase the process of integrating HIV services into existing health care services. This electronic Toolkit can be found on the CHT website: http://www.centerforhealthtraining.org/resources/index.html#IXNat
or on the NNAAPC website:
http://www.nnaapc.org/resources/integration_toolkit.htm
UNITED STATES:"Sexual Partner Concurrency and Sexual Risk Among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender American Indian/Alaska Natives"
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Vol. 37; No. 4: P. 272-278(04..10):: Susan Cassels; Cynthia R. Pearson; Karina Walters; Jane M. Simoni; Martina Morris
Disproportionately high rates of HIV infection are among the "pervasive health disparities" found among American Indian and Alaska Natives, wrote the authors, who noted, "Sexual network dynamics, including concurrency and sexual mixing patterns, are key determinants of HIV disparities."
Navajo Nation Social Hygiene Program 2009 Annual Report
This report and slide presentation highlight the impact of STDs among Navajo residents, and highlights the increased numbers of STDs affecting the Navajo Nation.
Reproductive Health of Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Women: Examining Unintended Pregnancy, Contraception, Sexual History and Behavior, and Non-Voluntary Sexual Intercourse February 2010. Urban Indian Health Institute
A new report from the Urban Indian Health Institute presents information on reproductive health among urban Native women. The report includes findings from our recent analysis of reproductive health and sexual violence data among American Indian and Alaska Native women in urban areas in the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. Attached is an article by the Associated Press from last week that reached nationwide audiences. Please see the report here: http://www.uihi.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/AIAN-Women's-Health-Report.pdf (this is a large file—it takes a few seconds to load)
Indian Health Surveillance Report – Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2007.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) National Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program has just released its new Indian Health Surveillance Report – Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2007. The report presents statistics and trends for STDs among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the United States. This report is the product of collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indian Health Service that provides a national profile as well as STD rates and trends for the 12 IHS administrative areas. The report is currently available electronically at: http://www.cdc.gov/STD/stats/IHS/IHS-SurvRpt_Web508Nov2009.pdf and will soon be available in hardcopy.
CDC Office of State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support (OSTLTS)
The CDC Office of State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support (OSTLTS; pronounced “stilts”) invites you to learn more about the new Office through our internal and external websites at www.cdc.gov/ostlts and http://intranet.cdc.gov/ostlts/. The Intranet site includes a full staff contact list. We also just launched a website for our Public Health Apprentice Program at www.cdc.gov/phap. Please note that we are currently soliciting applications for the July 2010 class of Apprentices (applications due March 8th) and for host organizations with which to match them. Contact for more information: OSTLTSfeedback@cdc.gov
New Hopes on Health Care for American Indians. Pam Belluck, The New York Times, December 1, 2009
The health care overhaul now being debated in Congress appears poised to bring the most significant improvements to the Indian health system in decades. After months of negotiations, provisions under consideration could, over time, direct streams of money to the Indian health care system and give Indians more treatment options.
Research Brief: American Indian/Alaska Native Youth and Teen Pregnancy Prevention. National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy; Number 39, Aug. 2008
This research brief focuses on teen childbearing among Native American youth in the United States and includes information about sexual and contraceptive behavior, attitudes about sex and reproductive health, and information about potential programs for this population.
Building Partnerships Between Indigenous Communities and Universities: Lessons Learned in HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse Prevention Research. Baldwin JA, et al.; Am J Public Health. 2009;99: S77–S82. doi:10.2105/AJPH. 2008.134585
This study examined the challenges in conducting HIV/AIDS-related research in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and the benefits of changing the research paradigm to a community-based participatory model. The lessons learned illustrate that the research process should be a cyclical one with continual involvement by community members. Steps in the process include (1) building and sustaining collaborative relationships, (2) planning the program together, (3) implementing and evaluating the program in culturally acceptable ways, and (4) disseminating research findings from a tribal perspective.
Department Tribal Consultation Policy
This policy brief by the U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, (January 2005) demonstrates how state/local programs can more effectively include and engage their AI/AN communities in statewide STD prevention efforts.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Alaska Native & Inuit/First Nations/Métis in Canada: Discovering Opportunities for Collaboration
The final report for the Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Alaska Native & Inuit/First Nations/Métis in Canada: Discovering Opportunities for Collaboration is now available. The report summarizes the collective efforts of participating agencies and outlines future collaborative work among partnering organizations to address the needs of Northern Native populations.
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Among Women Reporting Sexual Activity with Women Screened in Family Planning Clinics in the Pacific Northwest, 1997 to 2005. Singh D, et al.; American Journal of Public Health Vol. 101; No. 7: P. 1284-1290 (07.11). The authors sought to define positivity for Chlamydia trachomatis among women who have sex with women, “a population for which sparse data on this infection are available and for whom health disparities, including challenged access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, have been reported.”
Surveillance of Health Status in Minority Communities — Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Across the U.S. (REACH U.S.) Risk Factor Survey, United States, 2009. MMWR May 20, 2011 / 60(SS06);1-41. Available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6006a1.htm?s_cid=ss6006a1_e CDC conducts the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health across the U.S. (REACH U.S.) Risk Factor Survey annually in minority communities. The survey focuses on black, Hispanic, Asian (including Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander), and American Indian populations.
DRAFT UNODC WHO UNAIDS Policy Statement on HIV testing in prison settings
UNODC, WHO and UNAIDS have developed a draft policy statement on HIV testing in prison. This policy statement has been developed on the basis of a background document prepared by Ralf Jurgens, and an expert meeting held last September in Varna, as well as further consultation with different experts. The final draft is now being disseminated for comments. Download the document from the UNODC website: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/hiv-aids/publications.html
New Survey on Sex in US, Biggest Since 1994. Associated Press (10.04.10). A special issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine offers the most comprehensive national sexual behavior survey in more than a decade, researchers say. The new data are based on a survey of a national probability sample of 5,865 people ages 14-94. Researchers with Indiana University's Center for Sexual Health Promotion interviewed participants online with the help of Knowledge Networks from March to May 2009. Condom-maker Church & Dwight funded the study, called the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, but its authors said the research integrity and data were unaffected.
Cell Users Dialing Up Sex Advice on Phone. Chicago Tribune (10.22.10) In a recent survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 29 percent of cell phone users ages 18-29, and 17 percent of users of all ages, searched for health information using their phones.
Misclassification Bias: Diversity in Conceptualizations About Having 'Had Sex'. Sexual Health Vol. 7; No. 1: P. 31-34(02.10): SA Sanders, et al.
The researchers introduced the current report by stating their belief that it is the first study of a representative sample to assess attitudes about which behaviors constitute having "had sex" and to examine possible mediating factors (gender, age, giving/receiving stimulation; male ejaculation, female orgasm, condom use or brevity).
Psychological Impacts Not Found for Casual Sex Among Young Adults. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health (2009;41(4):231-237)
Depressive Symptoms and Sexual Risk Behavior in Young, Chlamydia-Infected, Heterosexual Dyads. LA Shrier, et al.; Journal of Adolescent Health 45 (2009) 63–69
This study by Shrier, et al., published in the July 2009 issue of Journal of Adolescent Medicine, examined the association between depressive symptoms and dyad-level sexual risk behavior in young heterosexual STI-infected persons.
Using Sexually Transmitted Infection Biomarkers to Validate Reporting of Sexual Behavior within a Randomized, Experimental Evaluation of Interviewing Methods
This paper by Hewett et al, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, examines the difference between computerized and face-to-face interview modes of determining sexual risk behaviors as they relate to STI status.
Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections:
A Systematic Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
This article by Lin, et al., published in the October issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, is a systematic review of STI behavioral counseling interventions conducted for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
The Relationship Between Recent Alcohol Use and Sexual Behaviors: Gender Differences Among Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic Patients
This study by Hutton HE, et al., examines the relationship between binge drinking and risky sexual behaviors/STDs in patients attending an urban STD clinic. The study also looked at gender differences.
Clinical Evaluation of the BD ProbeTec™ Chlamydia trachomatis Qx Amplified DNA Assay on the BD Viper™ System With XTR™ Technology. Taylor, SN et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 38(7):603-609, July 2011. This study evaluated the performance of the BD ProbeTec Chlamydia trachomatis Qx (CTQ) Amplified DNA Assay on the BD Viper System with XTR Technology in a multicenter study.
Questions and Answers following the distribution of the CDC Dear Colleague Letter on August 18, 2010. The purpose of this message is to address issues raised as a result of the CDC Dear Colleague letter from Dr. Kevin Fenton, Director, CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, dated August 16, 2010 and distributed on August 18, 2010. The letter from Dr. Fenton conveyed CDC concerns regarding the reporting practices adopted by some laboratories using commercially available Chlamydia and gonorrhea nucleic acid amplification tests when low positive specimens were routinely retested. The Question and Answer document is linked here.
A novel gel-based method for self-collection and ambient temperature postal transport of urine for PCR detection of Chlamydia trachomatis. Bialasiewicz S, et al. Sex Transm Infect. 2009 Apr;85(2):102-5. Epub 2008 Nov 12
The aim of this study was to develop a novel urine transport method to be used in self-collection-based screening for Chlamydia trachomatis. The method needed to be suitable for C trachomatis PCR detection, be economical and suitable for transport by standard envelope mailing.
Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests in the Diagnosis of Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections of the Oropharynx and Rectum in Men Who Have Sex With Men
This article by Schachter J, et al., compares 2 NAATs tests with culture for detection of Ct and GC of the oropharynx and rectum in MSM.
Social Policy/Health Policy/Law
The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law announces the launch of the O’Neill Institute blog, www.oneillinstituteblog.org. The blog is meant as a forum for thoughtful dialogue on pressing issues in health law and policy. It will also be an additional venue for us to keep in touch with our friends and colleagues on current events at the O’Neill Institute, including highlights from our robust research program, graduate degree program, fellowship program, and institute scholarship.
The National Prevention Strategy: America’s Plan for Better Health and WellnessAvailable online at: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/prevention06162011a.html The National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy is a comprehensive plan that will help increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life. Created by the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council in consultation with the public and an Advisory Group of outside experts, the Strategy recognizes that good health comes not just from receiving quality medical care but from stopping disease before it starts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention's (NCHHSTP's) released this white paper— Establishing a Holistic Framework to Reduce Inequities in HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and Tuberculosis in the United States. The white paper, or policy document, outlines the strategic vision of NCHHSTP for reducing health disparities and promoting health equity among populations affected by these diseases. NCHHSTP is committed to promoting awareness, stakeholder and community engagement, and action on factors that can affect the nation and the world's health; to addressing these factors in the policy, practice, and research activities of NCHHSTP; and to building partnerships on every level. Please visit http://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/ to read more.
A National Strategy to Improve Sexual Health
Andrea Swartzendruber; Jonathan M. Zenilman
JAMA. 2010;304(9):1005-1006 (doi:10.1001/jama.2010.1252)
This commentary presents the case that the US is in need of a national sexual health strategy, one that “integrates care delivery and prevention that recognizes sexual expression as normative and encompasses preventive and treatment services throughout the life span.”
When Less Paperwork Means No Science: The Paperwork Reduction Act and Unintended Consequences for Public Health Research. MB Blank, et al.; Science Progress.org; September 21, 2009.
List of the HEDIS Measures Required for the 2010 Accreditation for Commercial Plans and Medicaid
Action on Health Disparities in the United States: Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Michael G. Marmot; Ruth Bell; JAMA. 2009;301(11):1169-1171 (doi:10.1001/jama.2009.363)
In this report, Marmot and Bell call to address health disparities through action on social determinants of health. If not by greater national income or more spending on medical care, how should the task of improving health in the United States be approached? Pay attention to the social determinants of health.
Social Policy as Health Policy. Steven H. Woolf; JAMA. 2009;301(11):1166-1169 (doi:10.1001/jama.2009.320)
In this commentary, Woolf examines the importance of social policy in impacting health.
HIV/AIDS, Reproductive and Sexual Health, and the Law
This article by Gable, et al., focuses on the role of laws in framing how HIV/AIDS and reproductive and sexual health are dealt with.
A Longitudinal Study of Vaginal Douching and Bacterial Vaginosis—A Marginal Structural Modeling Analysis
This longitudinal study by Brotman, et al., published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, is a structural modeling analysis that demonstrates increased risk for BV with douching. Authors claim that unlike other studies, they controlled for confounding factors assumed present in previous studies.
Chlamydia trachomatis and male fertility. Pacey AA, Eley A. Hum Fertil (Camb). 2004 Dec;7(4):271-6
There is increasing evidence that the function of human spermatozoa can be significantly affected by direct exposure to the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This may contribute to sub-fertility in infected individuals by a route that is independent of any damage to the reproductive epithelium. In addition, if a C. trachomatis infection is undiagnosed it could contribute to poor outcomes in assisted conception techniques such as in vitro fertilization. The antibiotics routinely used in IVF culture systems are largely ineffective against chlamydia, emphasizing the importance of screening patients prior to treatment. Moreover, given the many thousands of semen samples provided for analysis by men in primary care (many of which will never undergo assisted conception treatment), it is suggested that this may represent a wasted opportunity to provide screening (and treatment) for the infection using an appropriate test specimen and without the need for additional hospital visits.
Formal Sex Education Linked to Greater Condom Use Among Teen Males
A new Child Trends study finds that any type of formal sex education is linked with higher levels of condom use at teen males' first sexual experience. However, one in five teen males (ages 15-19) did not receive formal sex education about either abstinence or contraception before having sex for the first time. The study, published in the October 2008 issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health and summarized in a fact sheet, Condom Use and Consistency Among Teen Males examines how multiple dimensions of teen males' lives are associated with condom use and consistency. To download the study, go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001DWp9uDapg8WdT0J-L1UiTwOUks9bqLoz2_o8zHnVP9QosgGLRzwLO8oFoE-7-VdqkkYI8FiHmy7xElyyS9sfQk5TGsBBvDT97gIx4dvKrv9OBBgQuolupx58OejXBI-uH7UrN2gZD8Su6ja08f2bBr_2JsKo9nUziJmAL4DG8ianDjw1W3jVNYc6doYryUHo
CDC Grand Rounds: Chlamydia Prevention: Challenges and Strategies for Reducing Disease Burden and Sequelae. MMWR Vol. 60 No. 12; April 1, 2011 / 60(12);370-373. Available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6012a2.htm?s_cid=mm6012a2_w
2010 BRFSS Data and Documentation Now Available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavioral Surveillance Branch released the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. The BRFSS is a unique, state-based surveillance system active in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, which collectsinformation on health risk behaviors, clinical preventive health practices, and health care access (primarily related to chronic disease and injury). Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/technical_infodata/surveydata/2010.htm For more information about the data, please contact the BRFSS office at (404) 498-0590
Teen STD Rate Soars on Salt Lake City's West Side. Salt Lake Tribune (01.06.11):: Heather May. In west Salt Lake City, the chlamydia rate among youths far exceeds the national average. Glendale and Rose Park have the highest rates of chlamydia diagnoses, and the highest birth rates, among Utah teens.
The 2009 Chlamydia Profiles are now live on the web and added to “What’s New” on CDC’s STD home page. The Profiles link is: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Chlamydia2009/default.htm. Each of the Regional Profiles, one for each of the ten HHS regions, contains a map of the region and a bar graph showing trends in chlamydia positivity rates among women 15 to 24 years of age attending family planning clinics.
Gonorrhoea positivity among women aged 15-24 years in the USA, 2005-2007. Gorgos L, Newman L, Satterwhite C, et al. Sex Transm Infect (2011). doi:10.1136/sti.2010.046607; Downloaded from sti.bmj.com on February 14, 2011 - Published by group.bmj.com. The conclusions of this study showed that gonorrhea positivity was consistently high for young non-Hispanic black women attending family planning clinics across multiple geographical regions. A large proportion of gonorrhoea morbidity was concentrated in a relatively small number of counties in the USA among this population of young women.
UNITED STATES:"Study Links Erectile Drugs, STD Rates in Users over 40"
Boston Globe (07.06.10):: Nicole Ostrow, Bloomberg News
Men over age 40 who use erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs have higher rates of STDs - particularly HIV - than same-age peers, according to a Harvard study.
“Upward trend in chlamydia cases extends to Army,” by Gina Cavallaro, Staff Writer, Army Times, July 19, 2009
Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons Aged 10--24 Years, United States, 2002—2007 MMWR, July 17, 2009; 58(SS06);1-58
This report presents data for 2002-2007 concerning the sexual and reproductive health of persons aged 10-24 years in the United States. Data were compiled from the National Vital Statistics System and multiple surveys and surveillance systems that monitor sexual and reproductive health outcomes into a single reference report that makes this information more easily accessible to policy makers, researchers, and program providers who are working to improve the reproductive health of young persons in the United States. The report addresses three primary topics: 1) current levels of risk behavior and health outcomes; 2) disparities by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and geographic residence; and 3) trends over time. The data presented in this report indicate that many young persons in the United States engage in sexual risk behavior and experience negative reproductive health outcomes. Although the majority of negative outcomes have been declining for the past decade, the most recent data suggest that progress might be slowing, and certain negative sexual health outcomes are increasing.
Appendix: Sampling Error, Standards of Precision and Reliability, and Case Definitions MMWR, July 17, 2009; 58(SS06);59-60
Chlamydia Screening Among Sexually Active Young Female Enrollees of Health Plans- United States, 2000-2007. MMWR 17 April 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5814a2.htm?s_cid=mm5814a2_e
An analysis of CT screening rates, as measured by HEDIS, by the CDC’s Health Services Research and Evaluation Branch. Note: Please contact Kazi Ahmed, PhD (202-955-1760; Ahmed@ncqa.org) for any data requests.
Provider & Patient Education Materials
Why Screen for Chlamydia? An Implementation Guide for HealthCare Providers. National Chlamydia Coalition/Partnership for Prevention 2009. http://www.prevent.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=244&Itemid=212
When the Cellphone Teaches Sex Education. Jan Hoffman; The New York Times; May 3, 2009
This article discusses yet another form of electronic sex education for teens.
The National Chlamydia Coalition’s Chlamydia slide set is now available for use, at:
http://www.slideshare.net/NCCppt/chlamydia-slide-set-42811
The CDC published the final meeting report from the April 2010 consultation on “A Public Health Approach for Advancing Sexual Health in the United States: Rationale and Options for Implementation.” This summary of the meeting includes invited presentations, reactions and recommendations by meeting participants.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Program Performance Measures: How Are They Performing? Peterman, TA et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 38(7):610-616, July 2011. Performance measures were developed in order to improve the performance of sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention programs. A consultant worked with persons from STD programs and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify possible measures. Measures were pilot tested for feasibility and relevance in several programs, then implemented nationwide in 2004. Data were collated and shared with programs and presented at national meetings. Site visits, webinars, and technical assistance focused on program improvement related to the measures. Reported data were analyzed to see if national performance improved on the activities measured.
Report Brief: Clinical Preventive Services for Women - Closing the Gaps. Institute of Medicine of the National Academies; July 2011. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) addresses preventive services for both men and women of all ages, and women in particular stand to benefit from additional preventive health services. The Department of Health and Human Services charged the IOM with reviewing what preventive services are important to women's health and well-being and then recommending which of these should be considered in the development of comprehensive guidelines. The IOM recommends that women's preventive services include, among other services, improved screening for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV; a fuller range of contraceptive education, counseling, methods, and services; services for pregnant women; at least one well-woman preventive care visit annually; and screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence. For more information visit www.iom.edu/preventiveserviceswomen.
Collection of social determinant of health measures in U.S. national surveillance systems for HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB. Beltran VM, Harrison KM, Hall HI, Dean HD; Public Health Rep. 2011;126 Suppl 3:41-53. We reviewed the current SDH variables collected for HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through its population-based surveillance systems and assessed specific system attributes.
Disentangling Screening and Diagnostic Chlamydia Test Positivity Among Females Testing at Title X-Funded and Adolescent Health Clinics, San Francisco 2009. Stephens, SC et al.; Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 38(7):630-633, July 2011. By using a reason-for-test code, this study compared positivity for female chlamydia and gonorrhea. At family planning clinics, there were no statistically significant differences in screening versus diagnostic positivity for either chlamydia or gonorrhea among women. However, at adolescent health clinics, diagnostic positivity was higher than screening positivity for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Findings from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists' 2008 assessment of state reportable and nationally notifiable conditions in the United States and considerations for the future. Jajosky R, et al.; J Public Health Manag Pract. 2011 May/June;17(3):255-64. Article about nationally notifiable diseases, including Chlamydia and gonorrhea.
The National Institute for Health Care Management Research and Educational Foundation released the brief on Protecting Health Services for Adolescents and Young Adults: Strategies & Considerations for Health Plans. The brief reviews the importance of access to confidential health services for adolescents and young adults, the legal protections in place to ensure confidential care, and health insurance system barriers and other challenges to delivering confidential care; and presents several opportunities for health insurers to assure that their billing processes are protecting adolescents’ and young adults’ access to confidential care.
The National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2010 is available on the NCHHSTP internet. The report highlights some of the major accomplishments, key themes, and future priorities for the Center’s work.CDC Health Disparities and Inequalities Report. United States, 2011. MMWR, Volume 60, Supplement; January 14, 2011. Health disparities are differences in health outcomes between groups that reflect social inequalities. Despite progress over the past 20 years in reducing this problem, racial/ethnic, economic and other social disparities in health still exists and need to be addressed. This report is the first in a periodic series examining health disparities in the United States. PDF of this issue: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/other/su6001.pdf
Young Adults in Military Families Gain Health Coverage. Jane Norman, CQ HealthBeat Associate Editor; CQ HEALTHBEAT NEWS; Jan. 14, 2011. This may provide another opportunity to expand coverage of CT screening for young females covered by Tricare.
'Do It Yourself' Sexual Health Care: The User Experience. Sexual Health Vol. 8; No. 1: P. 23-29 (01..11):: Paula Baraitser; Kirsty Collander Brown; Zachary Gleisner; Vikki Pearce; Usha Kumar; Michael Brady. In this study, the team sought to describe "client experience of self-management within a busy walk-in sexual health service," i.e., self-registration and take-home pregnancy kits, chlamydia and gonorrhea tests, or condoms received from a free vending machine.
What We Mean by Social Determinants of Health. Vicente Navarro; International Journal of Health Services, Volume 39, Number 3, Pages 423–441, 2009; doi: 10.2190/HS.39.3.a. This article (a speech by Vincente Navarro to the Eighth IUHPE European Conference, September 9, 2008) analyzes the changes in health conditions and quality of life in the populations of developed and developing countries over the past 30 years, resulting from neoliberal policies developed by many governments and promoted by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Health Organization, and other international agencies.
FDA Questions Drug Store Tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York Times (11.05.10) The Food and Drug Administration sent a letter warning Identigene that its over-the-counter test to detect chlamydia and gonorrhea has not been approved by the agency. The product is being sold at most Rite Aid stores.
CDC Offers Guidance on Using Social Media To Share Health Care Data. CDC officials recently released the Health Communicator's Social Media Toolkit, which offers guidance for sharing health information through social media, Federal Computer Week reports. The toolkit includes a chart of social media tools and what organizations need to use the tools. Read more: http://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/2010/10/25/cdc-offers-guidance-on-using-social-media-to-share-health-care-data.aspx#ixzz13aRnIBfp
Presenting on STD Racial Health Disparities: A Resource Guide for Facilitators created by the California Department of Public Health
Subjective Life Expectancy and Health Behaviors Among STD Clinic Patients
LAJ Scott-Sheldon, et al.; Am J Health Behav.™ 2010;34(3):349-361
This study by Scott-Sheldon, et al., published in the American Journal of Health Behavior, examines the relationship between subjective life expectancy (SLE) and health behaviors among STD clinic patients. Authors found that SLE was a significant predictor of a number of health behaviors, including sexual practices.
Concurrent Sexual Partnerships - UNAIDS Reference Group Recommendations
This week’s Lancet published an article and commentary regarding recommendations of the UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates, Modeling, and Projections for measuring concurrent sexual partnerships.
Public Health Reports Social Determinants of Health Supplement
Dr. Kevin Fenton, Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, recently announced the publication of Public Health Reports July/August supplement which for the first time focuses on Social Determinants of Health in the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis. Links to key articles and other key information are available online at www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants and an NCHHSTP Leadership Blog has been posted about this edition. The entire edition is available on the Public Health Reports web site at http://www.publichealthreports.org.
Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection: Natural History, Immunobiology, and Implications for Control Programs
The Journal of Infectious Diseases supplement on chlamydia immunobiology is available via the following link: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/jid/2010/201/S2
White Paper: Impact of Health Information Technology on Planned Parenthood’s Health Care Delivery – Two Case Studies
This 3-page white paper, submitted by Planned Parenthood to OPA, presents two case studies--one in Utah and one in Washington state and describes the improvements achieved through EHR--for the clinics and their patients.
A Framework for Public Health Action: The Health Impact Pyramid. Thomas R. Frieden; American Journal of Public Health; April 2010, Vol 100, No. 4
This commentary by CDC’s director, Thomas Frieden, published in the April issue of the American Journal of Public Health, discusses a five-tiered health impact pyramid and how this framework can effect public health. He argues that interventions at the lower level of the pyramid (socio-economic determinants of health) have the greatest effectiveness because they reach broader segments of society and require less individual effort, but he also argues that interventions at all levels will synergistically achieve the greatest public health benefit.
Using STD Electronic Medical Record Data to Drive Public Health Program Decisions in New York City. R Paneth-Pollak, et al., NYC Department of Health; American Journal of Public Health | April 2010, Vol 100, No. 4
This commentary in the current issue of the American Journal of Public Health by Paneth-Pollak et al from the NYC Department of Health, argues for the importance of using electronic medical records as a way to enhance public health program decisions. The authors present analyses of such use in STD clinics in NYC that have led to program improvements.
PCSI White Paper
The NCHHSTP 2009 White Paper on Program Collaboration and Service Integration (PCSI) is now available at the PCSI web site. This white paper provides NCHHSTP’s strategic vision and policy for PCSI, defines a framework for conceptualizing PCSI, outlines key measures to monitor and evaluate progress, and explains the role of internal and external stakeholders to help accomplish relevant goals. The PCSI White Paper and other informational resources can be found at the PCSI web site. If you have any questions, suggestions, or models to recommend, call 404-639-8009 or email.
Dear Colleague letter from John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Director, Division of STD Prevention National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, regarding the article, “Testing for Rectal and Pharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis Infections by Gay-Focused Community-Based Organizations — 5 U.S. Cities, 2007” included in the July 10, 2009 edition of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Partnership for Prevention and National Chlamydia Coalitionhttp://www.prevent.org/content/view/242/210/
