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The Young Person Check: screening for sexually transmitted infections and chronic disease risk in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Authors :
Fagan P
Cannon F
Crouch A
Source :
Australian and New Zealand journal of public health [Aust N Z J Public Health] 2013 Aug; Vol. 37 (4), pp. 316-21.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

Objective: This paper describes the implementation and selected outcomes of the Young Person Check (YPC), a high-coverage screening program in far north Queensland targeting remote youth aged 15-24 years for sexually transmissible infections (STI) and chronic disease risk. The YPC was conducted 19 times in eight discrete remote communities and one community cluster between 2009 and 2012.<br />Methods: Narrative description of consultation processes, YPC planning, recruitment strategies, logistics, screen design, additional costs and data management; analysis of coverage by location, age group and gender, selected STI management outcomes, and clinic-based STI testing separate from YPCs.<br />Results: A total of 3,686 episodes of care were delivered, including 3,083 to Indigenous youth aged 15-24 years. Overall coverage of the 15-24 population was 73% for females and 72% for males. Median time to treatment for chlamydia/gonorrhoea cases was 13 days and 63% of cases had at least one contact treated. Clinic-based STI testing did not decrease.<br />Conclusions: Positive outcomes of the YPC program, including satisfactory participation, rest on a rigorous approach to planning, recruitment and implementation; provision for STI follow-up; and data management.<br />Implications: Testing and treatment strategies form an important element of efforts to address endemic STI and reduce HIV risk in remote Australian populations. Complementary population testing strategies will continue to be utilised and may contribute, if coverage is satisfactory. Programs such as the YPC should be considered in settings where the conditions outlined here can be met.<br /> (© 2013 The Authors. ANZJPH © 2013 Public Health Association of Australia.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1753-6405
Volume :
37
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Australian and New Zealand journal of public health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
23895473
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12078