Screening Juvenile Justice-Involved Females for Sexually Transmitted Infection: A Pilot Intervention for Urban Females in Community Supervision

• NCJ Number: 244382
• Journal: Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2013 Pages: 258-268
• Author(s): Abigail A. Donaldson, M.D.; Jessica Burns, R.N., MSN/MPH; Catherine P. Bradshaw, Ph.D.; Jonathan M. Ellen, M.D.; Jennifer Maehr, M.D.
• Date Published: October 2013
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation; Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes a pilot intervention of female youth under community supervision. The purpose of the intervention was to define and provide screening and sexual health counseling.

Abstract

Little is known about Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhea (GC) rates in community-supervised juvenile justice-involved (CSJJI) females, or how to best provide screening for sexually transmitted infections in this population. A pilot intervention allowed case managers to offer optional CT/GC screening to CSJJI females during mandated visits. Anonymous satisfaction surveys and discussion groups assessed intervention acceptability. Case managers met with 514 CSJJI females; 102 (20 percent) agreed to screening and 117 tests were completed. Among those screened, 21 (18 percent) had CT and 3 (3 percent) had GC. Intervention feedback from case managers and clients was positive, but there were barriers to recruitment. Lessons learned from this case manager-facilitated intervention may increase the acceptability and effectiveness of future screening methods in this setting. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.