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STD testing policies and practices in U.S. city and county jails
M S Parece1, G A Herrera, R F Voigt
1Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
|September 24, 1999
Summary
Jail STD testing policies often rely on symptoms or requests, leading to low testing rates. Routine testing is insufficient, and rapid on-site screening is recommended for public health intervention in correctional facilities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are elevated within the incarcerated population.
- Current knowledge regarding STD testing policies and practices in jails is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the STD testing policies and practices implemented in correctional facilities (jails).
Main Methods:
- An email survey was distributed to 94 selected counties by the Division of STD Prevention.
- State and local STD program managers collaborated with health departments and jail facilities to complete the survey.
Main Results:
- A majority of facilities (52-77%) screened for STDs based on symptoms or arrestee request, with 0.2%-6% of arrestees tested.
- Facilities with routine STD testing policies tested only 3%-45% of arrestees.
- Many facilities lacked STD test results before the 48-hour release window.
Conclusions:
- Most jail STD screening relies on symptoms or requests, not routine testing.
- Routine STD testing policies are not effectively identifying infections in most arrestees.
- Implementing rapid, on-site STD screening and treatment in jails is crucial for public health interventions.