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STI-positive teens report high levels of treatment compliance

The majority of asymptomatic adolescents who tested positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia in a pediatric emergency department reported treatment compliance, according to data from a research letter published in JAMA Pediatrics.

To assess treatment compliance among asymptomatic adolescents aged 14 to 21 years, researchers took urine samples from 403 patients who had presented to a pediatric emergency department with a non-STI main complaint.

Results demonstrated that 10% of participants tested positive for either Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Among STI-positive patients, 73% were confirmed to have received treatment, according to study results. However, though it is assumed that patients who picked up a treatment prescription took the medication, it is not proof of treatment, the researchers said.

The researchers noted that the next step toward helping asymptomatic adolescents with positive STI results should include structured follow-up protocols, which would include treatment locations and aiding in notification, testing and treatment of patients’ sexual partners. 

“Screening adolescents and treating infections in the absence of symptoms may play an important role in preventing long-term sequelae and community spread of STIs. Confirming that asymptomatic STI-positive patients do receive appropriate treatment is a vital component of any screening initiative regardless of the site,” the researchers wrote. – by Casey Hower

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.