Sexually transmitted diseases and risk behaviors among California farmworkers: results from a population-based survey.

CONTEXT: The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and associated risk behaviors among California farmworkers is not well described. PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and associated risk behaviors among California farmworkers. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of population-based survey data from 6 California agricultural regions was performed for participants tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (GC), and syphilis, and who completed an interviewer-administered behavioral risk factor survey. FINDINGS: Among the 403 males and 234 females examined and interviewed, males (29.3%) were more likely than females (9.6%) to have had 2 or more sex partners in the past 5 years. Forty-two percent of males ever had sex with a commercial sex worker; unmarried males were more likely than married males to report sex with a commercial sex worker in the past 2 years. Twelve percent of males and 5% of females reported ever having had an STD. Most participants did not report any methods to protect against STDs. Of 192 males and 178 females tested for CT, 3 males and no females were positive. No cases of GC were found. Of 387 males and 194 females tested for syphilis, 4 males and 1 female had positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) results. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based survey among agricultural workers, there was low STD prevalence but high prevalence of sexual risk behaviors, particularly among males.

Chlamydia screening of youth and young adults in non-clinical settings throughout California.

BACKGROUND: Urine-based chlamydia tests enable screening in non-clinical settings. GOAL: The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of chlamydia infection among high-risk youth and young adults in non-clinical settings. DESIGN: County sexually transmitted disease (STD) programs implemented chlamydia screening projects in non-clinical settings using nucleic acid amplification tests. Demographic and access to care data were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 16,279 female and male youth were screened for chlamydia in 24 counties throughout California. The 158 screening venues included 32 educational, 32 correctional, and 94 community-based settings. Chlamydia infection rates varied significantly by gender, age, and venue type. Among females, the highest prevalence was found in jail settings (14.6%), juvenile detention (13.0%), and alternative schools (10.0%). Among males, the highest prevalence was found in jail (7.9%) and juvenile detention (5.8%). Venue types that serve populations with poor access to care and high rates of infection were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Screening projects in non-clinical settings identify high-risk youth in need of STD care, improve access to STD screening and education, and foster local collaborations.