The Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Among Adolescents: School-Based and Clinic-Based Models of Health Care

Authors

Jessica Saint-Paul MCHES, MPH, PA, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Adolescent Health and Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Tom Colletti

Abstract

Purpose: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highest among adolescents. Untreated STIs lead to health complications including chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. School-Based and clinic-based models have demonstrated decreased prevalence of STIs among adolescents. The purpose of this study is to reviewthe evidence of timely interventions for adolescents infected with sexually transmitted infections in school-based compared to clinic-based models of health care.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Medline databases were searched for peer-reviewed evidence-based models of practices and the outcomes related to treatment of adolescents infected with STIs. The inclusion criteria were meta-analysis, systematic reviews and interventional studies comparing the timing of interventions and outcomes between clinic based and school-based models of health care. This is a literature review for best practices, interventions and outcomes related to STI diagnosis and treatment of adolescents.

Results: The research studies provided evidence that clinic-based models of care correlated with a delay in treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea for adolescents. School-Based Health Centers demonstrated an increase in treatment and retesting rates, screening and received STI and pregnancy prevention counseling at higher rates than clinic-based models of care.

Conclusion: Adolescents received timely treatment from School-Based Health Centers than adolescents treated in traditional clinics. School-Based Health Centers decreased the prevalence of STIs, and improved post-treatment education and counseling of adolescents. Complications can be decreased through student health care and health education. Further research on adolescent health care and confidentiality to increase access in traditional clinical settings.

Recommended Citation

Saint-Paul J. The Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Among Adolescents: School-Based and Clinic-Based Models of Health Care. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(4).