Objective: The participants will know how community level data can be used for health planning for STD and women's reproductive health. Background: Reported STDs are used to identify high risk areas for resource allocation. However, there can be under-reporting of STD cases if the patients are untreated for asymptomatic STDs or due to limited access to health services. Untreated STDs may result in severe health problems such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and ectopic pregnancies. Integrating data from various sources may provide a way to assess STDs and reproductive health in communities. Methods: We used United Hospital Fund (UHF) defined neighborhoods. Data from the New York City STD Surveillance, hospital discharge, and Vital Statistics were linked with proxy measures of risk behavior - teenager pregnancy and abortion rates, and adverse health outcomes - ectopic pregnancy, PID, cervical cancer, and premature births and low birth weight infants. Multiple-group comparisons and multivariate analysis were applied. Results and Conclusions: Communities with high rates of chlamydia were correlated (r=.44) with either high or low rates of ectopic pregnancy (Bedford Stuyvensant-Crown Heights vs. Gramercy Park). Communities with low rates of chlamydia and high rates of ectopic pregnancy were also identified. Profiles can give community organizations key advocacy issues.
Learning Objectives: The participants will know how community level data can be utilized for community health planning an policy development with regard to STD and women's reproductive health
Keywords: STD Prevention, Community Health Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.