New Research at a Glance Highlights Paths to Reducing Inequities in STI Screenings
The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STI) has grown immensely over the past few years. Chlamydia is now the most commonly reported bacterial infection in the U.S., with more than 50% of cases occurring in youth ages 15 to 24 years old.
We know that routine population-based screening is a key strategy to reducing morbidity from and transmission of chlamydia, but rates of screening in pediatric care settings are both too low and often inequitable.
That’s why we’re excited to share a new Research at a Glance highlighting recent research conducted at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and supported by a PolicyLab and Clinical Futures' pilot grant that aims to better understand and reduce drivers of inequitable screening practices.
The findings emphasize that by standardizing adherence to chlamydia screening guidelines, health systems can ensure that screening efforts are applied equitably across patient groups. With the right supports, clinicians can screen all sexually active adolescents and help to reduce the impact of implicit bias on chlamydia screening.
Access the Research at a Glance here.