Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Screening Adolescent Males for Chlamydia On Admission to Detention

Evaluation of Chlamydia trachomatis screening from the perspective of health economics: a systematic review

Background

Most Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are asymptomatic. The infection can persist and lead to severe sequelae. Therefore, screening for CT can primarily prevent serious sequelae.

Aim

To systematically evaluate CT screening from the perspective of health economics, summarize previous findings from different target populations, and make practical recommendations for developing local CT screening strategies.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochran Library, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (Ovid) were searched from January 1, 2000, to March 4, 2023. Studies reporting the cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, or cost-utility of CT screening were eligible to be included. A narrative synthesis was used to analyze and report the results following the PRISMA guidelines. The Consensus on Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) list was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies.

Results

Our review finally comprised 39 studies addressing four populations: general sexually active people (n = 25), pregnant women (n = 4), women attending STD and abortion clinics (n = 4), and other high-risk individuals (n = 6). The total number of participants was ~7,991,198. The majority of studies assessed the cost-effectiveness or cost-utility of the screening method. The results showed that the following screening strategies may be cost-effective or cost-saving under certain conditions: performing CT screening in young people aged 15-24 in the general population, military recruits, and high school students; incorporating CT screening into routine antenatal care for pregnant women aged 15-30; opportunistic CT screening for women attending STD and abortion clinics; home-obtained sampling for CT screening using urine specimens or vaginal swab; performing CT screening for 14-30-year-old people who enter correctional institutions (i.e., jail, detention) as soon as possible; providing CT screening for female sex workers (FSWs) based on local incidence and prevalence; adding routine CT screening to HIV treatment using rectal samples from men who have sex with men (MSM).

Conclusion

We found that CT screening in general sexually active people aged 15-24, military recruits, high school students, pregnant women aged 15-30, women attending STD and abortion clinics, people entering jail, detention, FSWs, and MSM has health economic value. Due to the different prevalence of CT, diversities of economic conditions, and varying screening costs among different populations and different countries, regions, or settings, no uniform and standard screening strategies are currently available. Therefore, each country should consider its local condition and the results of health economic evaluations of CT screening programs in that country to develop appropriate CT screening strategies.

Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Disease Screening Outside the Clinic--Implications for the Modern Sexually Transmitted Disease Program

BACKGROUND

The development of noninvasive nucleic acid amplification tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea has facilitated innovation in moving sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening to nonclinical settings. However, limited data are available to inform local STD programs on evidence-based approaches to STD screening in nonclinical settings in the United States.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the literature published since 2000 related to chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis screening in US correctional settings, bathhouses and sex venues, self-collected at-home testing, and other nonclinical sites.

RESULTS

Sixty-four articles met eligibility criteria and were reviewed. Although data on testing volume and positivity were available, there were scarce data on the proportion of new positives treated and the programmatic costs for the various screening programs. Screening in correctional settings identified a sizable amount of asymptomatic infections. The value and sustainability of screening in the other nonclinical settings examined was not clear from the published literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Local and state health departments should explore the development of sustainable jail and juvenile detention screening programs for STDs. Furthermore, local programs should pilot outreach and home-based STD screening programs to determine if they are identifying asymptomatic persons who would not have otherwise been found. Local programs are encouraged to present and publish their findings related to non-clinic-based screening to enhance the limited body of literature; data on the proportion of new infections treated and the local program costs are needed.

Screening for Chlamydia infection in a sexually transmitted infection clinic: a missed opportunity?

OBJECTIVES

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) reported in Europe. We aim to evaluate the overall prevalence of CT infection and the rate of asymptomatic infection in an STI clinic over a 5-year period. We will also discuss screening strategies with reference to attendees diagnosed with an STI and their sexual partners, and attendees with a non-infectious genital dermatosis.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory data for all attendees at a university hospital STI clinic over a 5-year period were reviewed. Diagnosis of CT infection was made upon polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed in first-void urine.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of CT infection was 4.0% (53/1310); the rate of asymptomatic infection was 84.9% (45/53). The prevalence of CT infection among attendees with an STI diagnosis and their sexual partners was 5.2% (50/963), whereas that among attendees with a non-infectious genital dermatosis was 0.9% (3/347; P < 0.001). Infected attendees were younger than attendees without CT infection (median age: 31 years vs. 40 years; P < 0.001). In 39.5% (17/43) of CT-infected attendees, it was possible to notify a sexual partner; CT infection was subsequently diagnosed in 58.8% (10/17) of partners.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic CT infection had a representative frequency, which was more pronounced among young attendees with an STI diagnosis and their sexual partners, to whom screening should be offered. Issues of age limits for screening and whether screening should be directed to males in non-STI clinic settings should be carefully assessed.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis in incarcerated persons

Communicable diseases are common in people who are incarcerated. We aimed to define the prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis in people who are incarcerated and to identify subgroups with the highest risk of infection. We searched for prevalence studies of chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis in incarcerated populations. Pooled estimates were generated, and meta-regression was conducted. Random effects models yielded pooled prevalence estimates of 5.75% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.01, 6.48) and 12.31% (95% CI 10.61, 14.01) for chlamydia in men and women, 1.4% (95% CI 1.09, 1.70) and 5.73% (4.76, 6.69) for gonorrhoea in men and women, and 2.45% (95% CI 2.08, 2.82) and 6.10% (95% CI 4.75, 7.46) for syphilis in men and women, respectively. Each infection was associated with female gender in meta-regression models. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are highly prevalent in these populations. Primary and secondary prevention efforts could improve individual and population health.

Use of the internet and self-collected samples as a sexually transmissible infection intervention in rural Illinois communities

BACKGROUND

In the USA, reported cases of chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) continue to rise despite substantial funding for screening. National gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) rates have remained relatively stable, with clusters associated with metropolitan areas. Rural areas are no exception, as every county in Illinois reported cases of chlamydia in 2007. Morbidity associated with infection remains a public health concern, with costs of $US2.5+ billion annually. Novel screening interventions must be examined for their ability to reach those at risk who are missed by traditional methods.

METHODS

The website Iwantthekit.org was modified to allow residents from 25 contiguous counties in Central Illinois to request a self-collected sample kit. Returned kits were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The initial study period was 12 months.

RESULTS

During the study period, 343 kits were requested from 20 counties and 39.9% were satisfactorily returned for analysis. Positivity rates for chlamydia and gonorrhoea were 5.8% and 1.2%, respectively, for females and 1.9% and 0% for males. Males comprised 37.7% of all internet samples (compared with 23.4% for traditional screening venues) and 40.4% of all internet samples submitted by whites (compared with only 17.2% of traditional screening).

CONCLUSIONS

The female positivity rate was comparable to those seen in other screening venues and the method successfully engaged at-risk males. Overall, participation was low and the costs associated with the program outweighed the averted costs associated with the few cases identified. While this methodology resulted in sample requests from a wide area, it must be utilised by more individuals to become cost-effective.

Prevalence and predictors of urethral chlamydia and gonorrhea infection in male inmates in an Ontario correctional facility

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of urethral chlamydia and gonorrhea in males in a correctional facility in Ontario, Canada, and to explore risk factors for infection.

METHODS

Between June and December, 2009, 500 adult males who had been newly admitted at a correctional facility in southern Ontario completed a survey of risk factors and provided a urine sample for testing. Those who tested positive were treated and their names were provided to the local public health unit for follow-up including contact tracing. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for infection with chlamydia and gonorrhea, respectively, and a multivariable model was used to look at risk factors for infection.

RESULTS

The study population reported high levels of sexual risk behaviours and drug use. The overall chlamydia prevalence was 2.9% (95% CI 1.6-4.8) and the overall gonorrhea prevalence was 0.6% (95% CI 0.1-1.8). Rates were particularly high for chlamydia in younger males, at 16% (95% CI 4.5-36) in 18-19 year olds and 3.7% (95% CI 1.0-9.3) in 20-24 year olds, and for gonorrhea in males aged 20-24 at 1.9% (95% CI 0.2-6.6). A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that though not statistically significant, younger age was associated with infection.

CONCLUSION

The relatively high prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea found in this study suggests that primary and secondary prevention programs should be instituted for males in correctional facilities, in particular among younger inmates. Further research is required to ensure internal and external generalizability of these results, as well as to determine the cost-effectiveness of potential interventions.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of the Chlamydia Monday - A community-based intervention to decrease the prevalence of chlamydia in Sweden

Aims: The study was undertaken to assess the cost-effectiveness of the Chlamydia Monday, 2007. This is a community-based intervention aimed at reducing the prevalence of chlamydia by information and increased availability of testing, treatment and contact tracing in Stockholm. The aim was to analyze the cost-effectiveness by estimating costs, savings and effects on health associated with the intervention, and to determine if cost-effectiveness varies between men and women. Methods: A societal perspective was adopted, meaning all significant costs and consequences were taken into consideration, regardless of who experienced them. A cost-effectiveness model was constructed including costs of the intervention, savings due to avoiding potential costs associated with medical sequels of chlamydia infection, and health gains measured as quality adjusted life years (QALY). Sensitivity analyses were done to explore model and result uncertainty. Results: Total costs were calculated to be 66,787.21; total savings to 30,370.14; and total health gains to 9.852324 QALYs (undiscounted figures). The discounted cost per QALY was 8,346.05 (10,810.77/QALY for women and 6,085.35/QALY for men). Sensitivity analyses included changes in effectiveness, variation of prevalence, reduced risk of sequel progression, inclusion of prevented future production loss and shortened duration for chronic conditions. The cost per QALY was consistently less than 50,000, which is often regarded as cost-effective in a Swedish context. Conclusions: The Chlamydia Monday has been demonstrated by this study to be a cost-effective intervention and should be considered a wise use of society’s resources.

Development and Evaluation of GIS-Based Chlamydia Trachomatis Intervention Policy in Illinois

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent infectious disease in the United States. Complications include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. The cost of PID in 1998 was estimated at greater than $1.9 billion. Screening intervention strategies are often consumed by those at low risk. The objective of this study is the development of a more cost-effective intervention strategy by employing Geographic Information Systems and Census Bureau demographic data in selected Local Health Departments in Illinois. Case studies of intervention activities at the state and local level were performed. An evaluability assessment model of current inputs, processes and outcomes was created. A proposed model utilizing additional state inputs was developed and tested. Interventions were evaluated for effectiveness in reducing the incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis. Societal cost effectiveness analysis was also performed. The proposed model was tested in 2006. Results indicate that only minimal changes in annual incidence are required for GIS-augmented interventions to be cost-effective.

Diagnostic challenges of sexually transmitted infections in resource-limited settings

The global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is highest in the developing world where access to laboratory services is limited. Sophisticated laboratory diagnostic tests using noninvasive specimens have enabled developed countries to screen and diagnose curable STIs in a variety of settings, but control programs in resource-limited settings continue to struggle to find simple rapid tests that can provide adequate performance in the absence of laboratory services. While recent technological advances and investments in research and development may soon yield improved STI tests that can make an impact, these tests will need to be deployed within a health system that includes: regulatory oversight, quality assurance, good supply-chain management, effective training, information systems and a sound surveillance system to monitor disease trends, inform policy decisions and assess the impact of interventions.

Providing sexually transmitted disease education and risk assessment to disengaged young men through community outreach

This study describes a community outreach project designed to increase access to reproductive health services to young African American men living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The project examined the effectiveness of providing community-based outreach and health education on increasing sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening. Outreach workers provided STD education and risk assessment in community settings, including street corners, parks, schools, and community centers. Data were recorded on outreach contacts, including client demographics, health education topics covered, and risk assessment results. Outreach workers conducted 9,701 contacts in a 176-week period. Most contacts (89%) were with African Americans, and most (84%) were with young men between 15 and 20 years old. Outreach workers discussed each health education item in their protocol at least 85% of the time and each risk assessment item at least 90% of the time. The majority of contacts (94%) reported being sexually active. Compared with the year prior to the project, actual STD testing of the target population doubled at the project clinics. This study suggests that going beyond traditional clinic-based testing to reach young, disenfranchised males constitutes a promising approach to reducing racial disparities in STD infections.

Detecting, preventing, and treating sexually transmitted diseases among adolescent arrestees: an unmet public health need

Studies of detained and incarcerated adolescent offenders in the United States indicate that these juveniles have an elevated risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, many more arrestees enter the "front end" of the juvenile justice system than are detained or incarcerated, and research into the STD risk profiles and service needs of this larger group is lacking. An expansion of STD testing (including of asymptomatic youths), prevention, and treatment is needed, as is improved knowledge about gender- and race-specific services. A pilot program in Florida has shown that juvenile justice and public health systems can collaborate to implement STD testing among new arrestees. With integrated linkages to treatment and prevention after release, this model could greatly reduce the STD burden in this underserved, high-risk population.

Determining risk markers for gonorrhea and chlamydial infection and reinfection among adolescents in public high schools

BACKGROUND

In response to high adolescent rates of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), Philadelphia began screening in all public high schools in 2003.

METHODS

Data from 14,862 students who tested more than once in the Philadelphia High School STD Screening Program (PHSSSP) during the 2002-2006 school years were analyzed for factors associated with CT and GC infection. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regression models were constructed to identify characteristics associated with measured STD rates. A secondary analysis assessed short-term reinfection rates among participants retesting within the same school year.

RESULTS

In the primary analysis, over multiple years, the unadjusted female CT/GC rate was more than double that in males (6.0 vs. 2.4 cases per 100 person-years, respectively). Among students with a baseline positive, males had a higher rate than females (19.9 vs. 17.7 cases per 100 person-years, respectively). Among students with a positive test result, 13.6% were reinfected within the same school year. Females with named partners not treated had a higher reinfection rate than all others (85.5 vs. 40.1-45.2 cases per 100 person-years, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians and screening programs that offer STD testing to urban high school students, regardless of gender, should encourage those with a prior STD history to test more frequently. Clinicians should work with infected patients, especially females, to ensure their partners are treated.

Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among adolescents in Family Court, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of the Family Court System as a venue for screening adolescents, especially males for sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

GOAL

To identify, treat, and describe the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) infections among adolescents on probation under the jurisdiction of the Family Court System of Philadelphia from April 2004 through December 2006.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed data from the first several years of this program, which offered education and voluntary noninvasive screening for CT and GC to adolescents adjudicated delinquent and placed on probation through the Family Court of Philadelphia.

RESULTS

Between April 1, 2004 and December 31, 2006, 2270 adolescents were counseled about STDs, of whom 1605 voluntarily submitted a urine specimen for STD testing. Among the 1594 unique individuals with a valid test result, 13.9% (44 of 317) of females, 7.0% (90 of 1277) of males, and 8.4% overall (134 of 1594) were found to be positive for either or both STD. In total, treatment was confirmed for 93.3% (84/90) of males and 100% (44/44) of females testing positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Noninvasive STD testing was well accepted by adolescents in the Family Court System. Over several years of study, infection rates were found to be persistently high in both males and females. The Family Court is an effective venue to identify and treat adolescent males and females with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea infection.

Chlamydia trachomatis positivity rates among men tested in selected venues in the United States: a review of the recent literature

The cost-effectiveness of screening men for Chlamydia trachomatis depends in part on the prevalence of chlamydia in the screened population and the ease with which screening programs can be implemented. Screening in venues with high rates of chlamydia positivity among men may therefore be an important adjunct to chlamydia control. To evaluate the recent US literature on chlamydia positivity in chlamydia screening programs among asymptomatic men in nonsexually transmitted disease clinic settings, we reviewed published articles between 1995 and June 2007, using PubMed as the primary search tool. Articles were abstracted and positivity rates summarized by type of venue, race/ethnicity, age group, and US region. The overall median positivity rate was 5.1%. The highest rates were observed among men tested in juvenile (7.9%) and adult (6.8%) detention facilities, among blacks (6.7%), the 15 to 19 years old (6.1%) and 20 to 24 years old (6.5%) age groups, and among men screened in the southern United States (6.4%). Chlamydia rates among men are high in certain venues, particularly correctional settings, but also depend on the demographic composition of the target population and location. Programs considering male chlamydia screening programs should conduct pilot programs to assess chlamydia positivity as well as feasibility and cost in target venues.

The cost-effectiveness of screening men for Chlamydia trachomatis: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

An important consideration in determining whether to implement or continue a program to screen men for chlamydia is its cost-effectiveness. A review of the literature on the cost-effectiveness of screening men for chlamydia could potentially provide guidance.

METHODS

An Ovid Medline search was conducted for articles published between 1990 and July 2007 using terms for cost, chlamydia, and male. This search returned 175 articles; 25 were retained after eliminating those not relevant to cost-effectiveness studies of male chlamydia screening. We added 4 articles that were in-press or are published in this issue, for a total of 29. These articles were examined for common themes and their results summarized.

RESULTS

The reviewed studies examined both proactive and opportunistic screening and included screening of risk groups and of the general population. Some older studies included enzyme immunoassays; more recent studies featured nucleic acid amplification assays. Six studies used dynamic transmission models. Fourteen studies analyzed male and female chlamydia screening interventions. Several contained sufficient data to examine the cost-effectiveness of male screening compared with female screening. Male screening was preferred to expanded female screening in 1 study. In other studies, combined male and female screening programs were cost-saving.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies comparing chlamydia screening in men with chlamydia screening in women may be the most useful for guidance to programs. The studies which compare the 2 generally have found that screening men from the general population is not preferred to screening women from the general population, although 1 study found that screening of men from risk groups can be cost-effective compared with screening women from the general population.

Screening asymptomatic adolescent men for Chlamydia trachomatis in school-based health centers using urine-based nucleic acid amplification tests

BACKGROUND

Urine-based screening for Chlamydia trachomatis using highly sensitive and specific nucleic acid amplification tests offers a unique opportunity to screen men attending school-based health centers.

METHODS

As part of a large multicenter chlamydia screening project in men, 1434 students were enrolled; 1090 in high schools in Baltimore and 344 middle and high-school students in Denver. Students were screened for chlamydia using urine-based nucleic acid amplification tests at well adolescent visits, acute care visits, or visits for other reasons, such as sports physicals. A self-administered survey to ascertain sexual risk behaviors was used. Data were analyzed separately for Baltimore and Denver, with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence in asymptomatic adolescent men was 6.8% (7.5% in Baltimore and 4.7% in Denver, P = n.s.). Students in Denver were older, more racially diverse, and more likely to have had intercourse in the previous 2 months than students in Baltimore. Students in Baltimore were more likely than those in Denver to have used a condom at last intercourse with casual and main partners. Among men in Denver but not Baltimore, condom use at last intercourse with both casual (OR 0.15, 95% CI, 0.03, 0.78) and main partners (OR 0.30, 95% CI, 0.10, 0.91) was protective against infection. The only risk factor for CT infection in Baltimore students was age (OR 1.47, 95% CI, 1.23, 1.75). In multivariate analysis that included age (as a continuous variable), race, history of an STI, any sex partner in the last 2 months, >1 sex partner in the past 12 months, a new partner in the last 2 months, and condom use with last main and last casual partner, age (adjusted odds ratio 1.34, 95% CI, 1.11, 1.62) and black race (adjusted odds ratio 2.37, 95% CI, 1.21, 4.63) were the only variables associated with testing chlamydia positive.

CONCLUSIONS

School-based health centers are important venues in which to perform urine-based screening for chlamydia in sexually active, asymptomatic males, especially in high prevalence communities, and such screening provides the opportunity to identify and treat substantial numbers of chlamydia infections.

Acceptability of urine-based screening for Chlamydia trachomatis in asymptomatic young men: a systematic review

We performed a structured literature review of published studies from 2000-2007 that measured the acceptability and acceptance (uptake) of urine testing for C. trachomatis among asymptomatic men. Studies were categorized as three types: (a) non-STD clinic venues where men were approached in person and offered testing on site (urgent care clinics, freestanding clinics or health screening settings, corrections, community centers); (b) delivery of testing kits to men at their homes; and (c) qualitative measurement related to men's experience of screening. When offered in established nonhome-based settings (clinics, schools, corrections), acceptability and consequent uptake of testing by men is generally good (mid-60% range). However, acceptance rates even in these settings vary widely and are influenced by venue, provider, and a diversity of other factors. Acceptance of home-based testing invitations, including direct mailing of test kits, is considerably lower. Attitudinal characteristics of men who decline testing primarily include low self-perception of risk for asymptomatic infection and perceived inconvenience of providing test specimens. Given these findings, testing strategies targeting asymptomatic men in established community and clinic settings are most likely to yield relatively high acceptance rates. However, barriers to both implementation and uptake remain, even when such testing is free. Interventions to enhance uptake of testing in asymptomatic men should be developed and selected with underlying C. trachomatis population prevalence in mind.

Should asymptomatic men be included in chlamydia screening programs? Cost-effectiveness of chlamydia screening among male and female entrants to a national job training program

OBJECTIVE

To compare the cost-effectiveness of various chlamydia screening strategies within a population of male and female youth entering a national job training program.

STUDY DESIGN

Cost-effectiveness analysis of various chlamydia screening strategies among a cohort of 4000 female and male New England job training students. Strategies for women include (a) no screening, (b) universal endocervical DNA probe screening, (c) universal urine based NAAT screening, and (d) universal endocervical NAAT screening. Strategies for men include (a) no screening, (b) selective urine NAAT screening of leukocyte esterase (LE)-positive urines, and (c) universal urine-based NAAT screening.

RESULTS

Universal endocervical NAAT screening of women and universal urine NAAT screening of men were the most effective and cost-effective strategies individually and in combination. Endocervical NAAT screening of women prevented 23 more cases of PID and saved $27,000 more than endocervical DNA probe screening. Likewise, universal urine NAAT screening of men prevented 21 more cases of PID in their female partners and saved $16,000 more than selective urine NAAT screening of LE positive men.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a sensitive NAAT to screen both men and women for chlamydia upon entry to a National Job Training Program is cost-effective, cost-saving, and provides a public health opportunity to substantially reduce chlamydia infections among youth at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

Vaccinating adolescents in high-risk settings: lessons learned from experiences with hepatitis B vaccine

Meeting the health needs of adolescents who live in high-risk settings such as homeless shelters, migrant camps, juvenile detention centers, prisons, and other types of residential facilities presents many challenges. Although there is no doubt that adolescents in many high-risk settings are at increased risk for hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, acute medical and psychological problems may consume all of the provider's time and resources. Potential health threats such as vaccine-preventable diseases must necessarily be given lower priority. Lack of vaccination expertise, supplies, and access to records further complicate delivery of vaccines. Since the 1990s, a number of approaches have been used to deliver hepatitis B vaccine to adolescents in many high-risk settings. Close collaboration among state and federal programs, local health departments, and community-based organizations has been necessary to introduce and sustain the delivery of vaccines to these young people. Medicaid, Statute 317 of the Public Health Service Act, the Vaccines for Children program, and State Children's Health Insurance Program have been used to finance vaccinations for adolescents 18 years or younger, and the expanded Medicaid option in the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 has been used for adolescents older than 18 years of age. A number of states allow adolescents under age 18 to consent to their own hepatitis B vaccination under laws passed to allow treatment of sexually transmitted infections without parental consent. In this article, we present the experiences of several model programs that developed successful hepatitis B vaccination programs in venues that serve adolescents at risk, the important role of state laws and state agencies in funding immunization and other preventive health services for adolescents in high-risk situations, and discuss barriers and means to resolve them.

One to one interventions to reduce sexually transmitted infections and under the age of 18 conceptions: a systematic review of the economic evaluations

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review and critically appraise the economic evaluations of one to one interventions to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teenage conceptions.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Search of four electronic bibliographic databases from 1990 to January 2006. Search keywords included teenage, pregnancy, adolescent, unplanned, unwanted, cost benefit, cost utility, economic evaluation, cost effectiveness and all terms for STIs, including specific diseases.

REVIEW METHODS

We included studies that evaluated a broad range of one to one interventions to reduce STIs. Outcomes included major outcomes averted, life years and quality adjusted life years (QALY). All studies were assessed against quality criteria.

RESULTS

Of 3,190 identified papers, 55 were included. The majority of studies found one to one interventions to be either cost saving or cost effective, although one highlighted the need to target the population to receive post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce transmission of HIV. Most studies used a static approach that ignores the potential re-infection of treated patients.

CONCLUSION

One to one interventions have been shown to be cost saving or cost effective but there are some limitations in applying this evidence to the UK policy context. More UK research using dynamic modelling approaches and QALYs would provide improved evidence, enabling more robust policy recommendations to be made about which one to one interventions are cost effective in reducing STIs in the UK setting. The results of this review can be used by policy makers, health economists and researchers considering further research in this area.

Acceptability of urine-based screening for Chlamydia trachomatis to asymptomatic young men and their providers

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe acceptability of urine chlamydia testing among asymptomatic men and providers' attitudes toward testing.

STUDY DESIGN

Asymptomatic men (no urethral discharge/dysuria) were offered free testing and characteristics of men who accepted were compared with those who declined. Acceptability logs tallied the proportion who accepted, and a standardized survey was administered to providers at study's end.

RESULTS

Median acceptance was 64% (range, 8-100%). Men accepting were younger and more likely to be in adolescent primary care or detention, to report higher numbers of recent partners, no prior sexually transmitted disease, time to last healthcare visit >1 year, and to have received an incentive. Provider-reported barriers to testing included difficulty in conveying importance of testing to asymptomatic men (65%) and time constraints (24%).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic men are likely to accept testing depending on venue and approach. However, barriers exist for men and providers, even when testing is free.

Adult and pediatric emergency department sexually transmitted disease and HIV screening: programmatic overview and outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To measure the prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among emergency department (ED) patients who accept screening, and to assess treatment outcomes and risks for infection.

METHODS

Research staff offered voluntary testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia (by urine transcription-mediated amplification) and HIV (by enzyme immunoassay/Western blot of oral mucosal transudate) to ED patients. Pediatric (15-21 years) and adult (22-29 years) patients were eligible for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing; patients aged 15-54 years were eligible for HIV testing. The authors surveyed behavioral risks of patients accepting HIV testing.

RESULTS

From November 2003 to May 2004, 497 of 791 eligible pediatric patients (63%) and 1,000 of 2,180 eligible adult patients (46%) accepted screening for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and/or HIV. There were 41 patients infected with gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both among 380 pediatric patients (10.8%) and 11 of 233 adult patients (4.7%); 14 of 52 patients (27%) were treated presumptively by ED clinicians. Through study efforts, 33 of the 38 remaining patients were treated (90% overall treatment). Eight HIV infections were diagnosed: seven of 969 adult patients (0.7%) and one of 459 pediatric patients (0.2%); five HIV-infected patients (63%) received test results, and three (38%) attended an HIV clinic. Gonorrhea or chlamydia infection in pediatric patients was associated with multiple sex partners, same-sex intercourse, and suspicion of sexually transmitted diseases by the ED clinician.

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of gonorrhea and/or chlamydia infection among pediatric ED patients tested supports consideration of expanded screening. Targeted HIV screening with rapid tests merits exploration in the authors' ED, given the low-moderate numbers of patients identified through screening, receiving test results, and linked to care.

Modelling the effectiveness of chlamydia screening in England

BACKGROUND

Several developed countries have initiated chlamydia screening programmes. Screening for a sexually transmitted infection has both direct individual and indirect population-wide effects. Mathematical models can incorporate these non-linear effects and estimate the likely impact of different screening programmes and identify areas where more data are needed.

METHODS

A stochastic, individual based dynamic network model, parameterised from UK screening studies and data on sexual behaviour and chlamydia epidemiology, was used to investigate the likely impact of opportunistic screening on chlamydia prevalence. Three main strategies were considered for <25 year olds: (1) annual offer to women; (2) annual offer to women or if changed partner within last 6 months; (3) annual offer to men and women. Sensitivity analyses were performed for key screening parameters including uptake rate, targeted age range, percentage of partners notified, and screening interval.

RESULTS

Under strategy 1, continuous opportunistic screening of women <25 years of age is expected to reduce the population prevalence by over 50% after 5 years. Prevalence is also expected to decrease in unscreened older women and in men. For all three strategies screening those aged over 25 results in small additional reductions in prevalence. Including men led to a faster and greater reduction in overall prevalence, but involved approximately twice as many tests as strategy 1 and 10% more than strategy 2. The frequency of attendance at healthcare sites limits the number of opportunities to screen and the effect of changing the screening interval.

CONCLUSIONS

The model suggests that continuous opportunistic screening at high uptake rates could significantly reduced chlamydia prevalence within a few years. Opportunistic programmes depend on regular attendance at healthcare providers, but there is a lack of high quality data on patterns of attendance. Inequalities in coverage may result in a less efficient and less equitable outcome.

Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis: a systematic review of the economic evaluations and modelling

OBJECTIVE

To review systematically and critically, evidence used to derive estimates of costs and cost effectiveness of chlamydia screening.

METHODS

Systematic review. A search of 11 electronic bibliographic databases from the earliest date available to August 2004 using keywords including chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, economic evaluation, and cost. We included studies of chlamydia screening in males and/or females over 14 years, including studies of diagnostic tests, contact tracing, and treatment as part of a screening programme. Outcomes included cases of chlamydia identified and major outcomes averted. We assessed methodological quality and the modelling approach used.

RESULTS

Of 713 identified papers we included 57 formal economic evaluations and two cost studies. Most studies found chlamydia screening to be cost effective, partner notification to be an effective adjunct, and testing with nucleic acid amplification tests, and treatment with azithromycin to be cost effective. Methodological problems limited the validity of these findings: most studies used static models that are inappropriate for infectious diseases; restricted outcomes were used as a basis for policy recommendations; and high estimates of the probability of chlamydia associated complications might have overestimated cost effectiveness. Two high quality dynamic modelling studies found opportunistic screening to be cost effective but poor reporting or uncertainty about complication rates make interpretation difficult.

CONCLUSION

The inappropriate use of static models to study interventions to prevent a communicable disease means that uncertainty remains about whether chlamydia screening programmes are cost effective or not. The results of this review can be used by health service managers in the allocation of resources, and health economists and other researchers who are considering further research in this area.

Cost-Effectiveness of Screening Strategies for Gonorrhea Among Females in Private Sector Care

OBJECTIVE

To identify the optimal screening algorithm for gonorrhea infection among females in private sector care, using cost-effectiveness analysis.

METHODS

We compared 6 strategies using decision analysis for urine nucleic acid amplification testing for gonorrhea testing in a theoretical cohort of 10,000 females aged 15-35 years: 1) screen women aged younger than 25 years; 2) screen women aged younger than 30 years; 3) screen women aged younger than 25 years who report any risk (pregnant, drug use, new sexual partner < 30 days); 4) screen women aged younger than 30 years who report any risk; 5) screen women aged younger than 25 years or those who report any risk; and 6) screen women aged younger than 30 years or those who report any risk. Infection prevalence and sensitivity and specificity were by direct observation from a retrospective cohort of females attending the Baltimore City Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics between 1999 and 2002. The main outcome measures were untreated gonorrhea cases and their sequelae in women, transmission to a male partner, congenital outcomes, and cost to prevent a case.

RESULTS

Prevalence of gonorrhea was 3.0%. Not screening would result in 300 untreated cases. Not screening was cost-saving over all screening strategies. Strategy 6 resulted in the fewest cases of untreated infection (82), although Strategy 3 was the most cost-effective of the screening strategies. Univariate sensitivity analysis identified a threshold of 4.75% gonorrhea prevalence, more than which Strategy 3 became cost-saving over not screening.

CONCLUSION

Screening is recommended for females aged younger than 25 years with specific risks in populations with a gonorrhea prevalence of 4.75% or greater.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II-2.

Sexually transmitted diseases in incarcerated adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The objectives of this review are to summarize recent developments in the epidemiology of sexually transmitted disease in incarcerated adolescents and to review screening and treatment recommendations for sexually transmitted disease in juvenile corrections facilities.

RECENT FINDINGS

The introduction of non-invasive, urine-based nucleic acid-amplification tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea has led to a dramatic increase in the ability to screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea in non-traditional settings, including corrections facilities. The prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea has been uniformly high in incarcerated adolescents. The prevalences of chlamydia and gonorrhea in adolescents aged 18-19 years incarcerated in adult corrections facilities were higher than those incarcerated in juvenile facilities. The prevalence was higher in incarcerated adolescent women than adolescent men and in black adolescents than non-black adolescents. Screening for chlamydia in incarcerated adolescents has been shown to be a cost-effective strategy for preventing adverse health consequences. Syphilis prevalence in incarcerated adolescents is relatively low. Hepatitis B is relatively common among incarcerated adolescents.

SUMMARY

The high prevalence of chlamydia in incarcerated adolescents and gonorrhea in incarcerated adolescent women suggests that screening of these populations should be a priority. The reasons for the higher prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea in young adults aged 18-19 years incarcerated in selected adult corrections facilities compared with those incarcerated in juvenile facilities should be investigated. Hepatitis B virus vaccination in juvenile correction facilities is recommended to prevent and control the transmission of this disease.

Rapid tests for sexually transmitted diseases

Many molecular diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been described recently but are not often accessible to clinicians in practice. There is a need for rapid, easy-to-perform, and accurate diagnostic tests for clinicians, especially for use in developing countries, where sophisticated laboratory support is often unavailable. Rapid tests, often termed "point-of-care" (POC) tests, can be performed in less than an hour in the doctor's office, clinic, or in a field setting. If simple laboratory equipment is available, a health care worker or clinician can make an immediate diagnosis of a STD. Progress has been made in the development of POC tests for HIV, syphilis, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis, but more work is needed for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Improvements in POCs will allow for faster treatment or provision of interventions in infected persons, in order to prevent transmission to partners or infants, thereby enabling effective control efforts for STDs.

Chlamydial Infections Among Female Adolescents Screened in Juvenile Detention Centers in Washington State, 1998???2002

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess trends in Chlamydia trachomatis positivity and associated risk factors among detained female adolescents.

GOAL

The goal of this study was to determine trends in prevalence of chlamydia among detained female adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed risk factor data and chlamydia results collected by providers during 1998-2002 at four large juvenile detention centers in Washington State that routinely screen female adolescents for C. trachomatis.

RESULTS

Of 3,593 tests, a total of 493 (13.7%) were positive for chlamydia. High chlamydia positivity was sustained throughout the 5-year period (range, 12.5-15.0%) with no statistically significant trends in positivity. Independent risk factors for chlamydial infection included report of more than one sex partner in the previous 60 days (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-2.04) and previous chlamydial infection within 12 months (adjusted OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.45-2.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts are needed to promote chlamydia screening programs in juvenile detention centers because these sites have access to high-risk sexually active female adolescents.

Nucleic acid amplification tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia: practice and applications

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which are highly sensitive and specific, have provided the ability to use alternative sam-ple types for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Self-collected genital specimens, such as urine or even vaginal swabs, can now be accurately used to diagnose gonorrhea or chlamydia infections. In many cases, use of these sample types can decrease the necessity for a clinician to perform a pelvic examination on women or to collect a urethral swab from men, thus extending the diagnostic capability for detecting these infections to nonclinic screening venues. As most chlamydia infections and many gonorrhea infections are asymptomatic, the use of NAATs for self-collected samples greatly increases the types and numbers of patients that can be screened outside of clinic settings. Self-sampling also allows clinicians to easily screen patients in the clinic for STIs who are not presenting for pelvic or urogenital examinations. The application of NAATs to self-collected specimens has the potential to augment public health programs designed to control the epidemic of STIs in the community.

Costs and effects of chlamydial screening: dynamic versus static modeling

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of modeling type on the economic evaluation of screening programs for asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis infections.

STUDY

We compared a stochastic network simulation model (dynamic model) with a decision analysis model (static model) for estimating the cost-effectiveness of an opportunistic screening program. The influence of the model type on the required data, the computed results, and the sensitivity of model parameters were investigated.

RESULTS

When compared with static modeling, dynamic modeling yielded different cost-effectiveness ratios and identified other optimal screening strategies as it considers changes in the force of infection caused by screening. However, it is more complex, data- and time-demanding, and more sensitive to some parameters affecting the force of infection than static modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic models should be applied for the economic evaluation of prevention measures that have the potential to lower the force of infection such as large-scale chlamydial screening programs.

Innovative Approaches to the Prevention and Control of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections

Bacterial STI continues to be a major problem in developed nations. Research and evolving standards of public health practice are cause for optimism and concern. Innovations in case-finding and treatment, particularly the application of NAATs to test for chlamydial infection in nonclinical settings, are successes that merit more widespread application. EPT, selective STI screening in men, and rescreening are all promising, but are not yet in widespread use and may face significant operational barriers. To date, public health efforts to alter sexual behavior, at least through specific interventions, are more discouraging. Although some behavioral interventions have been effective, none has been widely instituted. Moreover, the likelihood that existing behavioral interventions will be widely applied seems remote. Future research efforts in this area will need to focus less on proof-of-concept efficacy trials and more on developing and testing sustainable, cost-effective interventions that focus on those at greatest risk and that can be scaled-up within the existing public health infrastructure.

Performance of urine leukocyte esterase in asymptomatic male youth: another look with nucleic acid amplification testing as the gold standard for Chlamydia detection

PURPOSE

To re-evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte esterase (LE) for screening adolescent and young adult males for Chlamydia trachomatis using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) as the gold standard.

METHODS

This study was conducted at two Massachusetts Department of Youth Services sites and one Job Corps site. Recently admitted asymptomatic sexually active male youth aged 14 to 25 years (mean 16.6 years) were recruited between January 2001 and July 2003 (N = 1008). Participants provided first part voided urine specimens for testing with LE and Chlamydia NAAT. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of urine LE for identification of Chlamydia infection were determined using NAAT as the gold standard.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven (5.7%) participants were infected with Chlamydia as defined by a positive NAAT. Defining trace + as the LE cut point resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 57.9% and 78.3%, respectively. Defining 1+ as the cut point resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 47.4% and 96.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Urine leukocyte esterase is a moderately sensitive method to screen for Chlamydia. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of infections are not detected with LE screening. When feasible, urine NAAT provides a much more sensitive and equally noninvasive method of detecting Chlamydia. However, if LE is used as an initial screen followed by NAAT confirmation of LE positive samples, we recommend using trace LE as the cut point for positive results.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Among Men Screened in 4 U.S. Cities

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection among men in clinical and nonclinical settings across the United States.

GOAL

The goal of this study was to obtain data to inform recommendations regarding male CT screening.

STUDY

The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of CT prevalence among adolescent and adult men in 4 U.S. cities (Baltimore, Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle). CT was detected using urine-based testing, and prevalence was calculated for first testing event.

RESULTS

Over 23,000 men were tested for CT over a 3 1/2-year period. The majority (96%) were asymptomatic. Overall, prevalence was 7% and varied significantly between cities (range: Seattle, 1%; Baltimore, 12%), by age (peak prevalence at age 20-24 years, 9%), and between venues where CT testing was offered.

CONCLUSIONS

At 7%, the prevalence of CT is moderately high among men opportunistically tested in nonclinical and clinical settings.

Differences in demographics and risk factors among men attending public v non-public STD clinics in Baltimore, Maryland

OBJECTIVE

To compare the demographics and risk factors of men who utilise the services of a municipal public sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic with those who utilise the services provided by a non-public men's STD clinic operated by a not for profit primary care clinic.

METHODS

A record based review of the characteristics and STD prevalence of men who visited a non-public STD clinic in Baltimore, Maryland, compared with those of a random sample of male attendees of a public STD clinic. Data abstracted from the records included information on age, race/ethnicity, self reported risk behaviours, and STD tests and results. We used chi2 analysis as well as bivariate and multivariate modelling to compare differences in categorical factors between clinics groups.

RESULTS

Men who utilised the services at the non-public STD clinic were more often white (71% v 3%, p<0.001), MSM (65% v 2%, p<0.001), and presented for general screening (52% v 15%, p<0.001) compared to those at the public clinic. In addition, they more frequently reported > or =3 partners (22% v 11%, p=0.005), and having an HIV positive partner (10% v 3%, p=0.005). Factors independently associated with attendance at non-public clinic in multivariate analysis were general screening as reason for visit (OR = 11.0, p<0.001), having 3+ partners in past month (OR=10.5, p=0.002), and "sometimes" using condoms (OR=3.6, p=0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-public STD clinics can reach a distinct segment of the male population with high risk sexual behaviours that might not attend public STD clinics.

Adolescent sexually transmitted diseases: Recent developments

Adolescents and young adults continue to have the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases. New chlamydia and gonorrhea diagnostic tests are being used in innovative ways to increase the number of infections that are detected. Nevertheless, challenges such as gonorrhea resistance and partner notification and treatment continue to hinder efforts to reduce the prevalence of these two bacterial infections. Although recent surveillance data suggest a decreasing trend of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) incidence among adolescents and young adults, the incidence of sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) in adolescent and young adult females remains high. Progress has been made toward the development of vaccines that may become available in the future to prevent infection with and sequelae from HSV-2 and HPV.