Routine STD Screening Recommended for Young Incarcerated Women

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Hawaii are recommending routine STD screening for young incarcerated women, citing high rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia in this population. According to a study published in the Journal of Community Health, 50% of eligible females at a juvenile detention facility in Honolulu, Hawaii were screened, and 13.9% were found to be positive for chlamydial infection, while 5.9% were culture positive for infection with N. gonorrhoeae.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 50% of eligible females at the juvenile detention facility were screened for STDs, and 14 of 101 (13.9%) were positive for chlamydial infection.
  • Six of 101 (5.9%) females were culture positive for infection with N. gonorrhoeae.
  • Three females were coinfected with both organisms.
  • The study concluded that the high STD rates justify the institution of a routine screening program for this high-risk and previously underserved group.
  • A.R. Katz and colleagues at the University of Hawaii conducted the study, which was published in the Journal of Community Health.

Statistics:

  • 50% of eligible females (101/204) were screened for STDs.
  • 14 of 101 (13.9%) females were positive for chlamydial infection.
  • 6 of 101 (5.9%) females were culture positive for infection with N. gonorrhoeae.
  • 3 females were coinfected with both organisms.

Sources:

  • Katz, A.R., et al. (2004). Prevalence of chlamydial and gonorrheal infections among females in a juvenile detention facility, Honolulu, Hawaii. Journal of Community Health, 29(4), 265-269.