NCJ Number
222375
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 89-98
Date Published
April 2008
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study discusses the benefits of Chlamydia trachomatis screening and treatment for incarcerated adolescents.
Abstract
Results indicate that Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infection among adolescents in the United States. Prevention and control of STDs relies on identification of asymptomatic individuals. After these individuals are identified, effective treatment must be initiated. It is necessary to notify and offer testing and treatment to sexual partners of infected individuals. Reducing the chance of reinfection requires providing education and counseling to patients. Screening for STDs is highly important in the incarcerated population. Prevalence of Chlamydia is high among women; going untreated, this disease can have costly health consequences. Correctional facilities present many barriers to screening for Chlamydia. Correctional facilities often lack adequate funding for such services. One drawback of current screening methods is the time required to obtain test results. Many times a positive test result is returned, but the facility has already released the inmate. Often these people are difficult to locate within the community, and if they fail to receive treatment, they will continue to infect others and the cycle will continue. Rapid Chlamydia testing in jails would benefit the community as it would produce test results and permit treatment before release. When laboratories used rapid testing, infected inmates were more likely to receive treatment. Correctional facilities need a comprehensive STD prevention and control strategy. Educational programs that provide STD education and behavioral intervention are needed to have an impact on the community to which inmates return when released from prison. References