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Community-based screening and treatment for STDs: results from a mobile clinic initiative.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2003;30(8):654-648.
Kahn RH, Moseley KE, Thiges JN, Johnson G, Farley TA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The persistence of syphilis and other bacterial sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) in many areas of the United States suggests that innovative
approaches to controlling these diseases are needed. GOAL: To evaluate the
feasibility, acceptability, and yield of mobile community-based STD screening
and treatment services in high STD incidence areas. STUDY DESIGN: Free, voluntary,
confidential screening and treatment for STDs were conducted in high STD
incidence neighborhoods of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, using a 32-foot mobile
van. Demographic and behavioral data were obtained from participants. Participants
were screened for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea and were also offered
HIV testing. Community attitudes toward the screening program were assessed
with street-intercept surveys conducted two weeks after screening events.
RESULTS: From March 1997 to August 2000, 256 community-based screening events
were held. During this period, 3110 blood samples were collected for syphilis
testing, of which 37 (1.2%) new cases of syphilis were identified. Of the
2807 blood samples collected for HIV testing, 70 (2.5%) were positive. Of
2229 urine samples, 185 (8.3%) tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis
and 108 (4.9%) positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Of 389 street-intercept
surveys, 97% of respondents thought that neighborhood STD testing was a "good" or "very
good" idea. CONCLUSION: Mobile community-based STD screening and treatment
are feasible, identify high positivity of STDs, and are accepted by the community
as an innovative approach to STD control.