Wilson SR, Brown NL, Leyden WA, Manos MM, Chin V, Levin D, Braverman P, Shapiro S, Lavori PW., Sex Transm Dis. 29(11):678-88., 2002 Nov 01
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Healthcare utilization (HCU) following a sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis is poorly characterized.
GOAL:
The goal was to quantify HCU for new/recurrent STDs and other relevant Ob-Gyn and mental health problems in the 18 months subsequent to an STD diagnosis.
STUDY DESIGN:
We compared HCU between a group of females aged 18 to 45 years who were Kaiser Permanente Medical Program members with a diagnosed STD (n = 1,205) and a medical center- and age group-matched sample of women seen for a non-STD diagnosis in the same time period (n = 4820), with controlling where appropriate for age, medical center, and chronic disease status.
RESULTS:
An STD diagnosis was associated with significantly greater likelihood of subsequent visits for STDs (relative risk [RR] = 3.8), pelvic inflammatory disease/endometritis (RR = 2.9), candidiasis (RR = 2.0), vaginitis (RR = 2.4), cervical dysplasia (RR = 1.7), menstrual disorders/abnormal bleeding (RR = 1.3), high risk/complicated/ectopic pregnancy (RR = 1.5), and behavioral/mental health problems (RR = 1.3) than for women seen for a non-STD diagnosis.
CONCLUSION:
Detrimental sequelae of STDs are reflected in substantially elevated near-term HCU following an STD diagnosis.