Using Spatial Analysis to Inform Community Immunization Strategies.

Introduction: Recent pertussis outbreaks in the United States suggest our response to local disease outbreaks (eg, vaccine-preventable ) may benefit from understanding and applying spatial analytical methods that use data from immunization information systems at a subcounty level.

Methods: A 2012 study on Denver, CO, residents less than 19 years of age confirmed pertussis cases and immunization information system records were geocoded and aggregated to the census tract (CT) level. An algorithm assessed whether individuals were up-to-date (UTD) for pertussis vaccines.

Association between provision of initial family planning services and unintended pregnancy among women attending an STD clinic.

Background: Most sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics focus solely on STD treatment and prevention. However, women seeking care are also at high risk for unintended pregnancy. We sought to examine the relationship between baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and incident pregnancy among women provided initial contraceptive services in an STD clinic.

The association of adherence to antiretroviral therapy with healthcare utilization and costs for medical care.

Background: The association between antiretroviral adherence, healthcare utilization and medical costs has not been well studied.

Objective: To examine the relationship of adherence to antiretroviral medications to healthcare utilization and healthcare costs.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 325 previously antiretroviral medication-naive HIV-infected individuals initiating first antiretroviral therapy from 1997 through 2003.

Durability of adherence to antiretroviral therapy on initial and subsequent regimens.

There is uncertainty regarding the durability of adherence to antiretroviral therapy. This study is a retrospective review of previously antiretroviral naïve patients initiating therapy between 1997 and 2002. Antiretroviral adherence was calculated using prescription refill data and was analyzed over time on an initial regimen and on sequential antiretroviral regimens.

Selective drug taking during combination antiretroviral therapy in an unselected clinic population.

Objectives: Multidrug therapy is necessary to achieve sustained viral suppression. Discordant adherence to individual components of a multidrug regimen may lead to adverse outcomes.

Methods: Antiretroviral-naive patients initiating therapy from 1997 through 2002 were included.

Initiating contraception in sexually transmitted disease clinic setting: a randomized trial.

Objective: Our purpose was to determine the effectiveness of sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic-initiated contraceptive care.

Study Design: Nonpregnant women (n=877) attending an urban STD clinic using either no contraception or only condoms were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n=437) or control group (n=440). Both groups received condoms with spermicide and a referral list of primary care providers (PCP) for ongoing reproductive health care, and the intervention group also received enhanced contraceptive counseling, initial provision of contraception, and facilitated referral to a PCP.

Predicting pregnancy risk in women attending an STD clinic.

Background: Although sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics focus mainly on STD treatment and prevention, women attending these clinics are also at high risk for pregnancy.

Goal: To evaluate the relationship between certain demographic and behavioral characteristics and the probability of pregnancy in women attending an urban STD clinic.

Study Design: Non-contraceptive-using women in an STD clinic-initiated randomized controlled contraception study (n = 877) were interviewed at baseline, and incident pregnancies within 1 year of enrollment were measured.