Implementation of a screening program for chlamydial infection in incarcerated adolescents.
BACKGROUND
In collaboration with the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, the authors implemented and evaluated a urine-based chlamydia screening program in incarcerated youth in Harris County, Texas, and assessed predictor variables for infection.


OBJECTIVE
To implement and evaluate chlamydia screening in incarcerated youth.


METHODS
The authors determined prevalence of chlamydial infection, treatment rates, and predictor variables in 589 youth and repeated the measures 6 months later in 975 additional youth.


RESULTS
Initially, the prevalence of infection was 9.6% in males and 28.1% in females; 88% of infected youth were treated while incarcerated. White males had a significantly lower prevalence of chlamydial infection; however, consistent condom use was not associated with a lower prevalence of chlamydia. In the 6-month assessment of chlamydia prevalence in 975 youth, prevalence and treatment rates remained high and predictor variables were similar.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors instituted a screening program for chlamydial infection in incarcerated youth that was performing well at reassessment 6 months later.
Risser
J M
JM
School of Public Health, University of Texas, Houston Health Sciences Center, 77225, USA.
Risser
W L
WL
Gefter
L R
LR
Brandstetter
D M
DM
Cromwell
P F
PF
D000293:Adolescent; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000652:urine; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015995:Prevalence; D011329:Prisoners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology