Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #107849

Stuart M. Berman, MD, Chief of Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, MS-E-02, Atlanta, GA 30333, (404) 639-8846, smb1@cdc.gov and Sevgi O. Aral, PhD, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E02, Atlanta, GA 30333.

Background: Small but critical groups of individuals in the population contribute directly or indirectly to a large peopoerion of STD transmission. Once an organism is introduced into a core group it can spread quickly within the group and via bridges to other populations. Current surveillance systems collect only demographic data on the infected individual. To anticipate future disease trends, behavioral data are needed on the infected individuals and those not yet infected. Several nationally representative surveys collect behavioral data on low risk general population. Objectives: To monitor behavioral trends in specific populations that may be at higher risk of infection. Approach: To compare behavioral data collected through three distinct methodologies; to assess similarities and differences in the results obtained; and to identify the most important and programmatically influential information on sexual behaviors. The methodologies include behavioral data collection on women diagnosed with gonorrhea; individuals accessed at high and low sexual risk venues, e.g. bars and shopping malls; and individuals accessed via ego-centric sexual networks. Conclusion: The results will be used to develop innovative, relevant and targeted STD surveillance and prevention activites.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about cutting edge methods to develop innovative, relevant and targeted STD surveillance and prevention activites.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation