The syphilis epidemic in Connecticut: relationship to drug use and prostitution

Article Abstract:

Syphilis rates recently escalated tremendously in Connecticut. Meanwhile, the pattern of drug use, particularly cocaine, has changed in the last decade, with a doubling in arrests of female drug users. Female drug users frequently use prostitution to pay for drug habits, but recognition of drug use as a risk factor for syphilis is fairly new. The association between syphilis prevalence and drug use in Connecticut between 1984 and 1987, particularly among women, prostitutes, and their sexual contacts, was studied. There were similar increases in the total number of syphilis cases and in women with syphilis who reported drug use or prostitution. Among women who were imprisoned for drug use or prostitution, syphilis rates were high and increased with the state syphilis rate. The rates of cocaine use among women imprisoned for prostitution increased, and syphilis rates among women prisoners were highest among cocaine-using prostitutes. The syphilis risk was similar among intravenous and nonintravenous drug users. These women who are at highest risk for syphilis infection are least likely to provide information on sexual partners to enable their treatment, the traditional mode of controlling syphilis transmission. Therefore, frequent screening and early treatment of these women in all health care settings are advised. This is additionally important because syphilis infections seem to coincide with an increase in the transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, the cause of AIDS). More aggressive and creative ways of intervening with this population are needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Women, Risk factors, Demographic aspects, Connecticut, Syphilis, Drug use, Drug abuse, Prostitution

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Adolescent health care providers: establishing a dialogue and assessing sexually transmitted disease prevention practices

Article Abstract:

A collaborative effort between practitioners providing health care to teenagers may prove beneficial in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STD treatment and prevention practices targeted at teenagers were analyzed among 76 primary health care providers, 11 adolescent specialty practices, and 12 university clinics in San Diego, CA. Adolescent specialists tested teenagers for STDs more routinely than did other providers. The use of sexual behavior questionnaires and routine partner notification plans varied by practice type. An adolescent health care coalition and directory have been established.

Sexually transmitted diseases, Medicine, Services, Prevention, Teenagers, Youth, Sexually transmitted disease prevention, Medical specialties, Adolescent medicine

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Epidemiologic support to state and local sexually transmitted disease control programs: perceived need and availability

Article Abstract:

Many state and local health departments do not have an epidemiologist on staff to participate in research on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Researchers surveyed the managers of 65 STD control programs at the state and local level. Of 146 people on staff engaging in epidemiologic research, only 84 were fully qualified epidemiologists. One-fourth of all programs had no epidemiologists. Half of the managers said they did not have adequate epidemiological support for their STD control programs.

Officials and employees, Finance, Employment, Medical equipment and supplies industry, Medical equipment industry, Epidemiological research, Cross sectional studies, Epidemiologists

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