Examining time to treatment and the role of school-based health centers in a school-based sexually transmitted infection screening program

INTRO: School-based sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and treatment programs can reach adolescents who forego the traditional clinic-based healthcare model. In fact, schools affiliated with school-based health centers (SBHCs) may be able to expedite treatment because of their proximity to the target population. This study examined whether students who tested positive for STIs in the Chicago school-based screening program had differing times to treatment based on treatment location. 

METHODS: Urine samples were processed through one laboratory and demographics including age, sex, and race/ethnicity were documented for each specimen. All positive cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea from the 2012–2013 school year were reviewed and median time to treatment was compared for those treated at a SBHC versus those treated elsewhere (e.g. city STI clinic, community health center, private physician).     

RESULTS: Overall, 545 students had positive results. Of those who tested positive, the median age was 17 years, 27% were tested in a school affiliated with a SBHC, 70% were female, 92% were African American, 79% had chlamydia,11% had gonorrhea, and 10% had dual infections. Of the 485 (90%) who received treatment, those treated at a SBHC had a faster time to treatment as compared to other providers (median 14 days versus 42 days respectively, p <.001). No demographic variable was significantly associated with treatment at a SBHC versus elsewhere.

CONCLUSION: For students testing positive in the Chicago school-based STI program, time to treatment is accelerated in locations with SBHCs. These findings highlight the beneficial role SBHCs can play in adolescent sexual health promotion.