title: Sexually transmitted diseases surveillance among incarcerated men who have sex with men--an opportunity for HIV prevention.
abstract: There is an urgent need for behavioral surveillance and prevention strategies specifically designed for men who have sex with men (MSM) who exhibit high-risk behavior. This report describes a sentinel screening program designed to identify sexually transmitted infections among incarcerated MSM. Approximately 2,200 inmates were screened for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia from a segregated unit of men who have sex with men in Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail. A convenience sample of 217 participants was offered a survey to assess risk behaviors. Screening activities yielded a 12.4% HIV, 3.1% chlamydia, 1.5% gonorrhea, and 0.3% early syphilis prevalence. The high HIV prevalence found in this population indicates the opportunity for HIV prevention within sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening of incarcerated MSM. Bridging HIV prevention into STD screening will require the integration of primary and secondary prevention services within the jail including case management, early treatment, and referral services.
authors.affiliation: Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Program, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA.
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Maria Campos
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bovée
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Kerndt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D005006:Ethnicity; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners; D011330:Prisons; D021841:Safe Sex; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology