Recorded presentation

Lindsay J Ward, MS¹, F. Bruce Coles, DO¹, Louise-Anne McNutt, PhD², and Todd Gerber, MS¹. (1) Bureau of STD Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Room 1168, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237, (518)474-0936, ljw02@health.state.ny.us, (2) Department of Epidemiology, University at Albany, School of Public Health, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Background: There has been a shift in the delivery of services for sexually transmitted diseases, from public health providers towards the private sector. Goals: To compare interviewed cases of gonorrhea reported from private providers and STD categorical clinics, to determine if the site where index cases received medical services impacted subsequent partner notification activities for gonorrhea control. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study with data reported from Erie, Monroe and Westchester counties in 2001 and 2002. Results: Among index cases that were diagnosed in categorical clinics, there were a higher proportion of partners located, medically examined and treated for infection. Categorical clinic index cases were also interviewed an average of 2 weeks sooner (p<.0001). Regression analysis found the longer interval observed in locating and interviewing the index cases diagnosed by private providers was associated with a greater likelihood of partners being infected, which increased progressively with time. Conclusion: This study found that the public health run STD categorical clinic, which combines both clinical and field intervention services onsite, was associated with more rapid and efficient interviewing and partner notification.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe the partner notification process.
• List five outcomes used to measure the success of a partner notification program.
• Recognize the importance of public health's role in the control of STD's.

Keywords: STD Prevention, Public Health Research

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.

Recorded presentation