 |
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
|
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Michael Eberhart, BS, Lenore Asbel, MD, and Martin Goldberg. STD Control Program, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 500 South Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19146, 215-685-6783, michael.eberhart@phila.gov
Background: Despite prevention efforts, incidence rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea continue to rise among young men and women in Philadelphia. Rates are highest among 15-24 year olds.
Objectives: To describe the demographic and geographic distribution of chlamydia and gonorrhea morbidity among 15-24 year olds in Philadelphia; and to describe and evaluate targeted interventions for screening and treatment.
Methods: Secondary analysis was conducted using a comprehensive database of all reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the City of Philadelphia during 2001. Screening programs targeting these age groups were initiated to detect asymptomatic infection and insure proper treatment. Using a non-invasive urine-based test, screenings were conducted at a youth detention facility, city recreation centers, two public high schools, and District Health Centers.
Results: In 2001, a total of 13,586 cases of chlamydia and 8,061 cases of gonorrhea were reported in Philadelphia. Seventy-two percent (9,793/13,586) of the chlamydia cases, and 54% (4,324/8,061) of gonorrhea cases were in the 15-24 age group. Gender distribution of cases was uneven - 17.3% male vs. 82.7% female for chlamydia and 34.7% male vs. 65.3% female for gonorrhea. Positivity rates at screening venues varied. Male positivity rates ranged from 3.8% (24/626) to 10.8% (41/378). Female positivity rates ranged from 7.9% (105/1,326) to 46.1% (105/228). The overall positivity rate for the combined screenings was 7.9% (1,009/12,780).
Conclusions: Targeted screening activities may be effective in identifying individuals with assymptomatic infection. Identification and treatment of infection in these high-risk age groups may have a significant impact on morbidity.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.