JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are increasing in the United States, with approximately half of new infections occurring among adolescents age 15-24 years. Gay, bisexual, and transgender youth (GBTY), homeless youth, and youth with histories of drug use, mental health disorders, and incarceration are all at uniquely high risk for STIs. However, these adolescents often lack access to sexual health services. In this study, we are using point-of-care STI tests in community-based settings to screen for and treat STIs in adolescents.

Methods:

We are recruiting 1500 HIV-uninfected youth and 220 HIV-infected youth from homeless shelters, GBTY organizations, and community health centers in Los Angeles, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. Study participants receive STI screening every 4 months for 24 months. STI screening includes rapid HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Hepatitis C Virus testing. Trained paraprofessionals conduct all STI testing. When a participant screens positive for an STI, they are either linked to a partner medical clinic or provided with same-day antibiotic therapy and expedited partner therapy. We monitor STI prevalence among study participants, as well as point-of-care test performance, linkage-to-care, and treatment outcomes. Discussion: As STI rates continue to rise, it is important to improve access to screening and treatment services, particularly for high-risk adolescents. In this study, we aim to evaluate the use of point-of-care STI diagnostic tests in community-based organizations. We hope to determine the prevalence of STIs among those adolescents and evaluate the effectiveness of community-based STI screening programs.