STI Screening Is Inadequate Among Those in High-Risk Sexual Relationships

In a U.S. national database, only 69% of those at risk were screened for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, or HIV-1 infection.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health crisis in the U.S., and the recent escalation is likely related to increases in risky behaviors. To estimate STI prevalence in those engaging in high-risk encounters, researchers queried the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, a longitudinal database for insured U.S. patients. They assessed records of 115,884 men and women (age range, 15–60) with at least one claim during 2016–2019 that identified high-risk sexual relationships. In this group, 97% did not have HIV-1 infection.

Only 69% of those identified as having an index high-risk relationship were screened for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, or HIV-1 infection. Among those screened, 2.6% were positive for gonorrhea and 7.2% for chlamydia i…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

STI Screening Is Inadequate Among Those in High-Risk Sexual Relationships

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Reviewing Author