Tuberculosis screening in a sexually transmitted diseases clinic.
OBJECTIVE
Patients attending sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinics may be at high risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. The authors conducted a pilot study of TB screening in this setting to determine the prevalence of TB infection and compliance of the population with a screening program.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of positive skin test results indicating TB among patients attending an STD clinic and to test a simple incentive designed to enhance compliance with return visits for skin test interpretation.


METHODS
Skin tests for TB were offered to clients attending an STD clinic. Testing was accompanied by self-assessment questionnaires designed to assess risk for TB. After 2 months, a simple incentive package was initiated to enhance compliance with skin test interpretation.


RESULTS
The prevalence of positive skin test results was 34%. Compliance with return visits was doubled by use of the simple incentive package.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients attending STD clinics are at high risk for TB and can be motivated toward increased compliance by the use of simple incentives.
Zuckerman
R A
RA
Chicago Department of Health, Illinois, USA.
Dickes
J R
JR
Schwebke
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control*