Characteristics associated with genital herpes testing among young adults: assessing factors from two national data sets.

Unlabelled: OBJECTIVES AND PARTICIPANTS: in the United States, genital herpes (GH) prevalence is 10.6% among 20- to 29-year-olds and about 90% of seropositive persons do not know their status. This study investigated individual characteristics associated with GH screening and diagnosis in sexually active young adults aged 18 to 24.

Show me the money: state contributions toward STD prevention, 2007.

The importance of state investment in sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention has been discussed since the mid-1990s; however, little has become known about state public health funding for STD prevention. To establish a baseline understanding of state STD prevention funding, financial data for fiscal year 2007 were gathered by survey of state STD, immunization, laboratory, and hepatitis program directors. Results revealed that on average states funded 25.

Recommendations for Performing Internet-Based Research on Sensitive Subject Matter with "Hidden" or Difficult-to-Reach Populations.

Since the mid-1990s, the rapidly increasing popularity of the Internet has contributed to a situation in which many men turn to Web sites to find sex partners with whom they can engage in risky behaviors. Scholars only recently began to examine the role of the Internet in harm-seeking and help-seeking behaviors. They are just now beginning to study and understand how to apply public health promotion principles to people using the Internet.

Common questions about herpes: analysis of chat-room transcripts.

Patients diagnosed with genital herpes typically undergo a period of psychological adjustment. Although healthcare providers can play a key role in this adjustment, in several patient surveys patients have expressed dissatisfaction with the information and counselling offered by professionals. To address this gap, providers must first identify the common questions and myths that are not addressed, or are addressed inadequately.

Genital herpes education and counselling: testing a one-page 'FAQ' intervention.

Approximately 17% of adults in the USA have antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), 85-90% of whom are unaware of their infection. Diagnosed patients are more likely to detect HSV reactivation, disclose infection status to partner(s) and employ risk-reduction strategies; therefore, diagnosing more cases may reduce herpes transmission rates. Providers are reluctant to identify genital herpes because of potentially lengthy counselling visits or discomfort in dealing with patients' emotional reactions.

Viral hepatitis prevention education: what do people and providers need to know?

Although hepatitis has been on the decline overall, tens of thousands of new infections are still projected for the coming years. Few studies have investigated the basic (core) educational concepts that are essential to understanding viral hepatitis. This study surveyed three categories of people: (hepatitis 'experts', healthcare providers, and patients) to gather ideas for core concepts for two populations (healthcare providers and patients).

Evaluating a teen STD prevention Web site.

Purpose: Teens are at higher risk than other age groups for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because of biological and behavioral risk factors, but they have few STD prevention resources. Little is known about how teens use the Internet to seek this information. A pilot study was conducted to measure audience and information-seeking characteristics of the www.

Integrating hepatitis B prevention into sexually transmitted disease services: U.S. sexually transmitted disease program and clinic trends--1997 and 2001.

Objective: The objective of this study was to measure the progress since 1997 of implementing sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic-based recommendations for hepatitis B prevention.

Goal: The goal of this study was to assess improvements since 1997 in hepatitis B prevention integration in STD services.

Study: Repeating a 1997 survey, in 2001, a survey was sent to state, municipal, and territorial STD program managers, previously surveyed clinic managers, and a national sample of 500 STD clinics.

Education and counselling for genital herpes: perspectives from patients.

The incidence and prevalence of genital herpes continue to increase in the USA, and the availability of new, accurate serological tests for herpes simplex virus (HSV) may identify millions of previously unrecognized cases. Newly diagnosed genital HSV infections place a serious burden on healthcare providers in terms of education and counselling. The study was initiated to assess the need for and potential use of an improved system for education and counselling of patients newly diagnosed with genital herpes.