Improving Chlamydia Screening Program Outcomes Through Regional Collaboration in the Region IX Infertility Prevention Project (IPP)

Background: Consistent with CDC priorities, the mission of the IPP is to prevent STD-related infertility and sequelae by screening and treating primarily women <26 and their partners and by working to reduce disparities in chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC). Regional infrastructure projects support and improve the ability of STD, Title X Family Planning (FP) and public health labs to promote data-driven, evidence-based interventions.

Objectives: Identify outcomes and successes of the Region IX IPP Regional Advisory Committee (RAC)

Methods: Cardea/Region IX infrastructure has supported the Region IX IPP RAC since 1996.  As the infrastructure, it provides centralized project management and facilitates regional collaboration among relevant partners. It organizes regular meetings with STD, FP and lab directors from CA, AZ, NV and HI. Through meetings, conference calls and capacity building, strategies to improve CT screening have been developed and shared across project areas.

Results: From 2002-2009, the number of project areas using nucleic acid amplified tests to detect CT and GC doubled. The percentage of tests among women <25 compared to all tests has steadily increased from 61% in 2005 to 73% in 2010. Screening coverage for women <25 served at Title X sites increased from 53% in 2005 to 67% in 2010. In 2010, only 58 of 374 Title X sites were screening less than 40% of women <25, compared to 92 sites in 2008. The number of FP grantees that can measure re-testing rates for female CT cases increased by 50% from 2009-2010.  Re-testing rates ranged from a low of 26% to a high of 59%.

Conclusions: Regional collaboration—including meeting and working with colleagues from diverse programs and project areas—has resulted in more scientifically sound, cost-effective Chlamydia screening programs. 

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Regional IPPs play a critical role in improving chlamydia screening program outcomes and should continue to be an important partner in chlamydia screening initiatives.