title: Health and life concerns among patients attending a publicly funded sexually transmitted infection clinic.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics provide opportune settings in which to address a range of health concerns with an underserved population. The current research sought to identify and prioritize patients' health and social concerns.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients attending a publicly funded STI clinic (50% female, 62% African American) were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Participants completed a brief paper-and-pencil questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 150 patients attending the STI clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey of health and social concerns.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants rated STIs, human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS, teeth problems, and eye problems as their most concerning health problems. Other than STI-related concerns, patients expressed few concerns about their somatic health. Instead, these (mostly younger) patients expressed more concern about economic issues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexually transmitted infection clinics provide a unique setting to provide health and mental health services to an at-need, underserved population; however, patients may prefer assistance with economic issues.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital and Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA. Michael_Carey@brown.edu
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.forename: Theresa E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Senn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D017150:Public Sector; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors