Utilizing a Community Dance to Hold STD Testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in High-Risk Adolescents

Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescents are a major public health concern, particularly in underserved communities. While STD screening is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, limited access remains one of a number of barriers. Community-based approaches may provide greater access and enhance screening rates. This study occured in a nationally recognized hot spot for STDs. We used a unique approach of hosting supervised dances at a community venue, during which free STD screening was offered at an attached health care clinic. Methods: A series of six Friday night dances was held at one community center sponsored by a nonprofit, girl-focused organization from 2018 to 2019. Dance participants could access an on-site health clinic for self-collected screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Treatment was provided for detected STDs. STD screening was also available to area youth at the on-site clinic during regular daytime clinic hours. Results: A total of 118 adolescents were screened during the school year, and were predominantly female (88.13%) and African American (85.6%). More than half of the total STD screenings (51.7%) were administered during the dances, doubling the total number of STD screenings when compared to those administered during regular clinic hours. A significantly younger cohort were screened at the dances (mean age 14.8 years) compared to those screened at the regular clinic (mean age of 18.9 years).Conclusion: A youth-centric event utilizing community resources can be used to facilitate and enhance screening rates for STDs in youth in an underserved, high-risk community.

963. Extragenital Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Among Females Visiting an STD Clinic

Background Rates of chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) are increasing in the United States. Annual screening for urogenital infection is recommended for sexually active females less than 25 years and older females at risk. CT and GC can be detected at pharyngeal and rectal sites and are commonly asymptomatic. Currently, extragenital screening is only recommended in men who have sex with men (MSM). Data among females on extragenital CT and GC are limited. Methods We reviewed all females presenting to a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic in Providence, Rhode Island from May 2014 to December 2018. During this time, urogenital, pharyngeal, and rectal screenings were offered to all females presenting for care. We evaluated demographics, behaviors, and laboratory data on urogenital, pharyngeal and rectal CT/GC. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to determine the characteristics of demographic and behavioral variables associated with extragenital infection. Results During the study period, 2,672 females presented for STD screening. Median age was 26 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 33–22). Most patients (95%) reported engaging in sex with male partners. More than half (59%) had at least one extragenital (pharyngeal or rectal) test performed (77% pharyngeal only, 0.4% rectal only, 23% both). During the study period, there were 334 CT and 66 GC infections identified across all three anatomical sites. Of individuals with a positive CT result (N = 273), 85% (N = 233) had a positive urogenital, 19% (N = 53) a positive pharyngeal, and 18% (N = 48) a positive rectal specimen. Of individuals with a positive GC result (N = 50), 62% (N = 31) had a positive urogenital, 54% (N = 27) a positive pharyngeal, and 16% (N = 8) a positive rectal specimen. Among individuals with a positive CT or GC result, (N = 315), 17% (N = 55) had an extragenital infection in the absence of a positive urogenital result. No single risk factor was statistically associated with an extragenital CT or GC infection. Most individuals (82%) were asymptomatic at presentation. Conclusion In an STD clinic setting, a significant number of pharyngeal and rectal CT/GC infections may be missed in the absence of extragenital screening. Settings which engage at-risk females should consider implementation of routine CT/GC extragenital screening. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.