Implementing Adolescent Interviews: A Paradigm Shift

Background:  Florida has experienced an erosion of federal and state STD prevention resources for more than 10 years.  This decrease in funding necessitates the implementation of science-based, practical and achievable STD prevention priorities.  To maximize disease intervention efforts, provision of partner services to adolescents with GC/CT has become a top priority to reduce likelihood of re-infection and identify more at-risk individuals.

Objectives: Provide partner services for adolescents 15 and under with uncomplicated gonorrhea and/or chlamydia.

Methods:  In May 2009, the Florida Department of Health Bureau of STD implemented the Priority Tier Action Grid.  For the first time it became top priority to provide partner services to adolescents 15 and under whom are positive for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia.  Interviews follow the same format provided to DIS during ISTDI, but with greater emphasis on client education to prevent re-infection, and assessing risk and protective factors for sexual coercion.

Results:  From May 1 thru September 1, 501 adolescent interviews were conducted.  The Contact Index was .41, indicating 205 partners were identified for follow-up.  The Intervention Index was .32, indicating that 160 partners were favorably dispositioned.

Conclusions: Interviewing adolescents with gonorrhea and/or chlamydia is proving valuable in opening lines of communication with youth who are at risk for re-infection and who may be at risk of sexual abuse or coercion.  By providing in-depth and youth-centric education on their infection, it is expected that rates of re-infection will be reduced, more at-risk clients will be identified and disease intervention goals will be achieved.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research: State STD programs will benefit from making interviews for adolescents 15 and under for uncomplicated GC/CT a top priority.  Youth may also be more likely to take advantage of other clinic services, such as family planning, access to condoms, and regular STD testing.