Return for results after herpes simplex virus type 2 screening.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with return for results of type-specific herpes simplex virus (HSV) screening.


METHODS
Participants receiving type-specific HSV testing were asked to return for results 2 weeks after testing. Predictors of return included demographics, herpes-related knowledge and attitudes, and past sexual behaviors.


RESULTS
A total of 820 sexually active subjects (age, 14-30 years; 41% male) received HSV screening and 578 (70%) returned for results. Higher probability of return for HSV testing results was significantly associated with older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06), female gender (OR, 1.57), enrollment at sites other than the county sexually transmitted disease clinic (OR, 1.70-4.71), and heightened level of perceived HSV vulnerability (OR, 1.07). Lower probability of return was associated with having more than 1 recent sex partner (OR, 0.46).


CONCLUSIONS
Lower rates of return of high-risk patients suggest the need to focus resources on receipt of test results.
Fortenberry
J Dennis
JD
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA. jfortenb@iupui.edu
Zimet
Gregory D
GD
Brady
Rebecca
R
Wu
Jingwei
J
Tu
Wanzhu
W
Stone
Katherine M
KM
Rosenthal
Susan L
SL
Bernstein
David I
DI
Fife
Kenneth H
KH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology