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Barriers to asymptomatic screening and other STD services
for adolescents and young adults: focus group discussions.
BMC Public Health 2004;4(1):21.
Tilson EC, Sanchez V, Ford CL, Smurzynski M, Leone PA, Fox KK, Irwin KL,
Miller WC.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health
problem among young people and can lead to the spread of HIV. Previous studies
have primarily addressed barriers to STD care for symptomatic patients. The
purpose of our study was to identify perceptions about existing barriers
to and ideal services for STDs, especially asymptomatic screening, among
young people in a southeastern community. METHODS: Eight focus group discussions
including 53 White, African American, and Latino youth (age 14-24) were conducted.
RESULTS: Perceived barriers to care included lack of knowledge of STDs and
available services, cost, shame associated with seeking services, long clinic
waiting times, discrimination, and urethral specimen collection methods.
Perceived features of ideal STD services included locations close to familiar
places, extended hours, and urine-based screening. Television was perceived
as the most effective route of disseminating STD information. CONCLUSIONS:
Further research is warranted to evaluate improving convenience, efficiency,
and privacy of existing services; adding urine-based screening and new services
closer to neighborhoods; and using mass media to disseminate STD information
as strategies to increase STD screening.