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Background: Washington, DC’s School-based STD Screening Program (SBSP) was piloted in SY2007/2008, expanded in SY2008/2009, and fully implemented in SY2009/2010. The 2014/2015 school year was the sixth consecutive year STD screening was provided in all public and select charter and alternative high schools. The objective of this study was to assess the incorporation and expansion of HIV testing.
Methods: HIV screening of high-risk students (those infected with chlamydia, gonorrhea or both) during in-school treatment began during SY2010/2011 and was expanded the following year. HIV testing of all participating students during in-school STD screening was piloted in one high school during SY2012/2013, implemented in select high schools during SY2013/2014, and expanded this past school year. We analyzed SBSP data from SY2010/2011 - SY2014/2015 – focusing on HIV testing.
Results: During SY2010/2011 – SY2011/2012: 7,133 (64%) students were screened for STDs; 410 (6%) were infected with chlamydia, gonorrhea or both; and 236 (58%) of those were tested for HIV. One new infection was identified and linked to care. During SY2012/2013; 3,129 (64%) students were screened for STDs and 190 (6%) were infected. 89 (2%) participating students were tested for HIV and no new HIV infections were identified. During SY2013/2014: 2,717 (50%) students were screened for STDs; 108 (4%) were infected; and 63 (58%) of those were tested for HIV. 713 (13%) participating students were tested for HIV and no new infections were identified. In SY2014/2015: 2,778 (46%) students were screened for STDs; 105 (4%) were infected; but only 21 (20%) of those were tested for HIV. 831 (14%) participating students were tested for HIV and no new infections were identified.
Conclusions: As we expanded HIV testing, we screened fewer students for STDs and found fewer infections. Although we tested more students for HIV, we screened less of those at highest risk. Significant program changes were made for SY2015/2016.