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Background: To reduce STD-associated morbidities and HIV transmission, the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) recommends STD testing at least annually for sexually active HIV-infected persons.
Objectives:To describe self-reported STD testing among HIV-infected patients receiving care in the
Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 2007 from the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), an ongoing, supplemental surveillance system conducted in 20 states and 6 cities that collects clinical and behavioral data on HIV-infected persons receiving care in the U.S. Bivariate analyses examined factors associated with self-reported bacterial STD testing in the past 12 months.
Results: Among 3659 persons reporting an HIV diagnosis at least 1 year prior to interview, 39% reported testing in the past 12 months for syphilis; 33% for gonorrhea; 31% for Chlamydia; and 39% for any bacterial STD. Among all respondents, 73% were male, median age was 46 years, 53% were white, non-Hispanic and 84% reported having insurance in the past 12 months. Factors associated with receiving either a syphilis, gonorrhea or Chlamydia test in the past 12 months included: female gender (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.12-1.52), age <46 years (OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.49-1.95), and black, non-Hispanic race (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.29-1.76). Having health insurance was not significantly associated with STD testing (OR=.93, 95% CI=.78-1.11).
Conclusions: Less than half of all patients reported being tested for syphilis, gonorrhea or Chlamydia in the past 12 months, despite receiving HIV-related care during this time. Bacterial STD testing differed by gender, race and age category, suggesting potential missed-opportunities for prevention among certain demographic groups.
Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research:Improvements in testing HIV-infected patients for bacterial STDs, as recommended by the IDSA, may be needed.