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. 2014 Nov;104(11):e103-9.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302186. Epub 2014 Sep 11.

Sexually transmitted infections among incarcerated women: findings from a decade of screening in a Los Angeles County Jail, 2002-2012

Marjan Javanbakht  1 , Melina Boudov, Laura J Anderson, Mark Malek, Lisa V Smith, Michael Chien, Sarah Guerry
Affiliations

Sexually transmitted infections among incarcerated women: findings from a decade of screening in a Los Angeles County Jail, 2002-2012

Marjan Javanbakht et al. Am J Public Health. 2014 Nov.

Abstract

Objectives: We describe and report findings from a screening program to identify sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among female inmates in Los Angeles County Jail.

Methods: Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening was offered to entering female inmates. Women were eligible if they were (1) aged 30 years or younger, or (2) pregnant or possibly pregnant, or (3) booked on prostitution or sex-related charges. Voluntary syphilis and HIV testing was offered to all women between 2006 and 2009. This analysis reports on data collected from 2002 through 2012.

Results: A total of 76,207 women participated in the program. Chlamydia prevalence was 11.4% and gonorrhea was 3.1%. Early syphilis was identified in 1.4% (141 of 9733) and the overall prevalence of HIV was 1.1% (83 of 7448). Treatment levels for early syphilis and HIV were high (99% and 100%, respectively), but only 56% of chlamydia and 58% of gonorrhea cases were treated.

Conclusions: Screening incarcerated women in Los Angeles County revealed a high prevalence of STIs and HIV. These inmates represent a unique opportunity for the identification of STIs and HIV, although strategies to improve chlamydia and gonorrhea treatment rates are needed.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea among incarcerated women in Los Angeles County Jail by year: Los Angeles, CA, 2002–2012.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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