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Learning from clients: an opportunity for sexually transmitted
disease programs.
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice 2002;8(3):59-68.
Greenberg JB, Bloom FR, Coles FB, Asbel LE, Goldberg M, Braxton JR,
Brackbill RM.
Abstract
This article summarizes sexually transmitted disease (STD) knowledge, health
care-seeking behaviors, and perceived advantages to seeking care from the
perspective of 397 STD clinic clients interviewed between 1997 and 1999 in
three northeastern cities. More than half reported a prior STD. Mean days
delay in seeking treatment was 10.8. Reasons for delay included lack of knowledge
especially about symptoms (44%) and inconvenience, especially clinic hours
(46%). Major disadvantages to receiving care centered around embarrassment
and stress (24%). Programs need to develop more intensive counseling for
repeat clients, offer more flexible hours, address sources of stress inherent
in their services, and develop better marketing strategies. Successful behavioral
interventions, behavioral training, and creative approaches from the popular
literature may be helpful.