Improving Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Diseases through Geocoded Morbidity Assignment.

Objectives: We assessed the added value of using a geocoder to improve sexually transmitted disease (STD) surveillance data and decision support through redistribution of inaccurately assigned morbidity in Richmond, Virginia.

Methods: Virginia initiated geocoding of STD data as a data quality tool in 2002. Geocoded output files were assessed and discordant proportions of reported gonorrhea and chlamydia morbidity were reassigned appropriately for the city of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County (2002 to 2006).

Assessment of Geographic Information Systems and Data Confidentiality Guidelines in STD Programs.

Objective: Advancements in technology, such as geographic information systems (GIS), expand sexually transmitted disease (STD) program capacity for data analysis and visualization, and introduce additional confidentiality considerations. We developed a survey to examine GIS use among STD programs and to better understand existing data confidentiality practices.

Methods: A Web-based survey of eight to 22 questions, depending on program-specific GIS capacity, was e-mailed to all STD program directors through the National Coalition of STD Directors in November 2004.

Data suppression strategies used during surveillance data release by sexually transmitted disease prevention programs.

Objectives: This study investigates the data suppression or statistical disclosure limitation (DL) practices used during surveillance data Release by sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention programs.

Methods: We classified DL strategies from a Web-based data query system that collected data from state health departments. We tested mean STD incidence Rates in states that used data suppression versus those that did not.