Sexually Transmitted Disease Program Evolution in Response to Changes in the Public Health Environment: A Massachusetts Example.

Background: In 2008, the line item supporting sexually transmitted disease (STD) services in the Massachusetts state budget was cut as a result of budget shortfalls. Shortly thereafter, direct provision of STD clinical services supported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) was suspended. Massachusetts Department of Public Health requested an initial assessment of its internal response and impact in 2010.

Assessing spatial gaps in sexually transmissible infection services and morbidity: an illustration with Texas county-level data from 2007.

Background: In the United States, sexually transmissible infection (STI) and family planning (FP) clinics play a major role in the detection and treatment of STIs. However, an examination of the spatial distribution of these service sites and their association with STI morbidity and county-level socioeconomic characteristics is lacking. We demonstrate how mapping and regression methods can be used to assess the spatial gaps between STI services and morbidity.

Association between HIV-related risk behaviors and HIV testing among high school students in the United States, 2009.

Objective: To identify the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related risk behaviors associated with HIV testing among US high school students who reported ever having sexual intercourse.

Design: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study.

Setting: The 2009 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

County-level sexually transmitted disease detection and control in Texas: do sexually transmitted diseases and family planning clinics matter?

Background: Sexually transmitted disease (STD) detection and control have traditionally been performed by STD and family planning (FP) clinics. However, the magnitude of their impact (or the lack thereof) has not been examined. We examine the association between having STD and/or FP clinics and county-level STD detection and control in the state of Texas.

Sexually transmitted diseases program performance measures: how are they performing?

Background: Performance measures were developed in order to improve the performance of sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention programs.

Methods: A consultant worked with persons from STD programs and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify possible measures. Measures were pilot tested for feasibility and relevance in several programs, then implemented nationwide in 2004.

The direct cost of chlamydial infections: estimates for the employer-sponsored privately insured population in the United States, 2003-2007.

Claims data between 2003 and 2007 were used to estimate the direct medical cost per case of chlamydial infections. Estimated total cost per episode for those who were treated was $142 (male, $157; female, $141). This estimate does not include intangible cost, lost productivity, and the cost of potential sequelae.

Health behaviors among American Indian/Alaska Native women, 1998-2000 BRFSS.

Background And Objective: Minority populations, including American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), in the United States generally experience a disproportionate share of adverse health outcomes compared with whites. The prevalence of risk behaviors associated with these adverse health outcomes among AI/AN women is not well documented, especially for those who live outside areas serviced by Indian Health Service. We sought to describe the prevalence of selected health risk behaviors among AI/AN women, document the disparities between AI/AN women and all U.