Utilizing a Community Dance to Hold STD Testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in High-Risk Adolescents

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescents are a major public health concern, particularly in underserved communities. While STD screening is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, limited access remains one of a number of barriers. Community-based approaches may provide greater access and enhance screening rates. This study occured in a nationally recognized hot spot for STDs. We used a unique approach of hosting supervised dances at a community venue, during which free STD screening was offered at an attached health care clinic.

A series of six Friday night dances was held at one community center sponsored by a nonprofit, girl-focused organization from 2018 to 2019. Dance participants could access an on-site health clinic for self-collected screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Treatment was provided for detected STDs. STD screening was also available to area youth at the on-site clinic during regular daytime clinic hours.

A total of 118 adolescents were screened during the school year, and were predominantly female (88.13%) and African American (85.6%). More than half of the total STD screenings (51.7%) were administered during the dances, doubling the total number of STD screenings when compared to those administered during regular clinic hours. A significantly younger cohort were screened at the dances (mean age 14.8 years) compared to those screened at the regular clinic (mean age of 18.9 years).

A youth-centric event utilizing community resources can be used to facilitate and enhance screening rates for STDs in youth in an underserved, high-risk community.