Serologic detection of herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies among pregnant women using a point-of-care test from Focus Diagnostics.

Background: Serologic assays that identify herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) type-specific antibodies have been commercially available for more than a decade. Greater acceptance of these tests is hindered by uncertainty regarding their performance in real-world clinical settings.

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the test characteristics of the Focus HerpeSelect Express Assay (EA) versus the Focus HerpeSelect enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) for detection of HSV-2 type-specific antibodies among pregnant women enrolled from 3 geographic sites with varying prevalences of HSV-2 infection.

Estimating dissemination of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines from a survey of physicians.

Periodically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) produce guidelines for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the USA. To date, few evaluations of the dissemination of these guidelines exist. A paper and pencil survey was distributed via priority mail to a sample of Atlanta-area physicians, 416 (34%) of whom responded with complete data.

Sexual history-taking among primary care physicians.

Background: Because many people seek sexual healthcare in settings where they seek primary healthcare, the extent to which primary care physicians take sexual histories is important. We surveyed Atlanta-area primary care physicians to estimate the extent to which they take sexual histories as well as the components of those histories and the circumstances under which they are taken.

Methods: Four-hundred-sixteen physicians in four specialties (obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, general/family practice, pediatrics) responded to a mail survey conducted during 2003-2004.

Physicians' STD diagnosis and screening practices in the South.

Objectives: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain at high levels in the South compared with the rest of the nation. Physician diagnosis levels and screening behaviors fall among the elements about which more knowledge is needed to address these high levels. This article assesses Southern physicians' STD diagnosis histories and screening behaviors, focusing on curable STDs.

Adolescent beliefs about infertility.

Purpose: Explore adolescents' definition of fertility and range of beliefs regarding causes of infertility.

Methods: Qualitative study involving five focus groups that met between April 2001 and December 2001 at a hospital-based adolescent health center. All groups were led by one experienced moderator and observed by two investigators.

Attitudes and experiences with levonorgestrel 100 microg/ethinyl estradiol 20 microg among women during a 3-month trial.

To describe attitudes and experiences with a low-dose oral contraceptive pill (Alesse) over 3 months, women aged 18 years and older (n = 218) were enrolled from 16 locations to evaluate their experiences with Alesse. The questionnaire assessed demographic and personal characteristics, attitudes and experiences, and satisfaction. The participants had a mean age of 26.