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Continuing need for sexually transmitted disease clinics after the affordable care act

Author

Listed:
  • Hoover, K.W.
  • Parsell, B.W.
  • Leichliter, J.S.
  • Habel, M.A.
  • Tao, G.
  • Pearson, W.S.
  • Gift, T.L.

Abstract

Objectives: We assessed the characteristics of sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic patients, their reasons for seeking health services in STD clinics, and their access to health care in other venues. Methods: In 2013, we surveyed persons who used publicly funded STD clinics in 21 US cities with the highest STD morbidity. Results: Of the 4364 STD clinic patients we surveyed, 58.5% were younger than 30 years, 72.5% were non-White, and 49.9% were uninsured. They visited the clinic for STD symptoms (18.9%), STD screening (33.8%), and HIV testing (13.6%). Patients chose STD clinics because of walk-in, same-day appointments (49.5%), low cost (23.9%), and expert care (8.3%). Among STD clinic patients, 60.4% had access to another type of venue for sick care, and 58.5% had access to another type of venue for preventive care. Most insured patients (51.6%) were willing to use insurance to pay for care at the STD clinic. Conclusions: Despite access to other health care settings, patients chose STD clinics for sexual health care because of convenient, low-cost, and expert care. Policy Implication. STD clinics play an important role in STD prevention by offering walk-in care to uninsured patients.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoover, K.W. & Parsell, B.W. & Leichliter, J.S. & Habel, M.A. & Tao, G. & Pearson, W.S. & Gift, T.L., 2015. "Continuing need for sexually transmitted disease clinics after the affordable care act," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105, pages 690-695.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2015.302839_3
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302839
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