Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development Of A Simple And Accurate Polymerase Chain Reaction Screen For Human Papillomavirus In College Students, Emily Bishop, Owen Smith, Paul E. Richardson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is, according to the CDC, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with many infections developing in a person's late teens or early 20’s. HPV is a nonenveloped, relatively small, icosahedral DNA virus that infects squamous epithelial cells. This infection can happen in genital, anal, and oral cavities. 90% of these infections will self-clear in two years according to the CDC. Of the 10% of infections that do not clear in two years, they could develop into carcinomas later in life. The goal of this developmental research is to create a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that can …

Integrating Human Papillomavirus Testing As A Point-Of Care Service Using Genexpert Platforms: Findings And Lessons From A Kenyan Pilot Study (2019–2020), Valerian Mwenda, Joan-Paula Bor, Mary Nyangasi, James Njeru, Sharon Olwande, Patricia Njiri, Marc Arbyn, Philippe Tummers, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Globally, cervical cancer is a major public health problem, with about 604,000 new cases and over 340,000 deaths in 2020. In Kenya, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths, with over 3,000 women dying in 2020 alone. Both the Kenyan cancer screening guidelines and the World Health Organization’s Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary screening test. However, HPV testing is not widely available in the public healthcare system in Kenya. We conducted a pilot study using a point of care (POC) HPV test to inform national roll-out.

Methods: The …

Identifying The Factors Influencing Hiv Testing And Safe Sex Practices: An Ecological Approach, Shekwonya Evelyn Samuel

All ETDs from UAB

Introduction: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is still a major health issue in the United States and the world. Emerging adults are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors such as multiple sexual partners and unprotected sex. HIV testing contributes to ending the HIV epidemic by identifying at-risk individuals and promoting early diagnosis.Methods: Secondary data analyses of the City Health II dataset were conducted to 1) identify the association between HIV testing and risky sexual behaviors among Black/African American emerging adults ages 18-25 years living in Birmingham metro area, 2) use social network …

Social Vulnerability And Trust Associated With African American Secondary Syphilis Cases Reported In Alabama, United States, 2020-2022, Givanta Tribit

All ETDs from UAB

Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems, including neurological disorders, blindness, and fetal abnormalities. Routine STI screenings can help prevent its spread. Despite effective treatments, syphilis cases have risen sharply in the last decade, particularly among marginalized communities. Understanding the ecological and contextual factors contributing to syphilis incidence could inform prevention efforts and improve healthcare outcomes for all. Methods: Retrospective secondary data analyses, at the county level, from 2020 to 2022, were conducted to assess for mean differences among social vulnerability index (SVI) scores, SVI scores by four primary categories, Black Belt regional …

Doxypep, Angela E. Russo

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

No abstract provided.

Promoting Safe Sex Practices And Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention In The Adolescent Population In Ridgefield, Ct, Gina Jin

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Adolescents are a uniquely at-risk population for the spread of preventable sexually-transmitted infections. Direct lifetime medical costs of sexually transmitted infections (per CDC) is nearly $16 billion in the United States. Nearly half (46%) of all new STIs in the country occur among young people (ages 15-24). Because of this, effective STI prevention in the adolescent population is important and should be further investigated.

An Analysis Of Demographics And Risk Factors Associated With Increasing Syphilis Cases In Iowa, Eleanore H. Nelson

Capstone Experience

Background:

Syphilis is easily detectable and treatable with the appropriate medical attention, yet national incidence rates have been on the rise since reaching an all-time low in 2000 (Shockman et al, 2014). Similar to HIV, men who have sex with other men (MSM), represent most syphilis transmission, yet in recent years, syphilis rates have concerningly increased among both genders and among all racial/ethnic groups (CDC, 2019).

Methods:

Surveillance data was collected on all syphilis cases reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) regarding demographics and risk factors of cases. Variables were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, …

The Vaginal Microbiota, Indah Kencana, Satya Wydya Yenny

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology & Venereology Indonesia

The vagina is an ecosystem consisting of various species of microorganisms (microbiota) that play important role in maintaining vaginal health. The vaginal ecosystem includes a variety of species classified into aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms which are vaginal microbiota (VMB). In the vagina of a healthy woman, 70% of normal microbiota is dominated by the Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium, and belongs to the group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB produces lactic acid which plays a role in maintaining vaginal acidity at pH

Prevalence Of Infectious Diseases Among 6078 Individuals With Down Syndrome In The United States, Veronica Fitzpatrick, Anne Rivelli, Sagar Chaudhari, Laura Chicoine, Gengjie Jia, Andrey Rzhetsky, Brian Chicoine

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

A recent disease prevalence study of the largest documented Down syndrome (DS) cohort in the United States strongly suggested significant disparity in general infectious disease conditions among individuals with DS versus those without DS. In this follow-up retrospective analysis, we explored these differences in greater detail by calculating prevalence of 52 infectious diseases, across 28 years of data among 6078 individuals with DS and 30,326 age- and sex-matched controls, abstracted from electronic medical records within a large Midwestern health system. We found that the DS cohort had higher prevalence of pneumonias (including aspiration, viral, bacterial, pneumococcal, and unspecified/atypical); otitis externa; …

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Anal Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions In Men Who Have Sex With Men And Transgender Women Living With And Without Hiv In Karachi Pakistan: Implications For Screening And Prevention, Muslima Ejaz, Muhammad Mubarak, Tazeen Saeed Ali, Sören Andersson, Anna Mia Ekström

Community Health Sciences

Background: Anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASIL), strongly related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, is more prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, no such data are available for Pakistan yet, and neither HPV vaccination nor anal-cytology screening is implemented in Pakistan. The purpose of this first ever study was to assess the prevalence of HPV-related anal cytological abnormalities among MSM and transgender women living with and without HIV infection in Pakistan.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from March 2016 to November 2017 at sexual health centers run by the Perwaaz Trust and the National AIDS …

Improving Sexually Transmitted Infection Knowledge In Community College Students: A Path To Prevention, Rebecca F. Halford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This DNP project was conducted to identify gaps in knowledge focusing on sexually transmitted infections within Texas and Region one. The research study gathered data from first-year nursing students who have chosen to participate in a sexually transmitted infection-focused educational module. Participants were first-year nursing students and understood the research study was strictly voluntary with no forms of compensation. Currently, the curriculum in the nursing program at which the study took place does not focus on sexually transmitted infections and is directed to speak minimally on the subject. This is a contributing factor to why the rise in sexually transmitted …

Emerging Adults’ Experiences As Receivers Of Sexually Transmitted Infection Disclosures From Sexual Partners: A Three-Part Examination, Kayley D. Mcmahan

Doctoral Dissertations

Each year in the United States, over 20 million cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diagnosed, mostly among those in the developmental period of emerging adulthood (ages 18-29). Research on STI disclosure to romantic and sexual partners has increased over the last two decades, but this research has (a) generally lacked a developmental and theoretical focus, (b) not examined disclosure recipients, and (c) not been systematically and critically synthesized. To address these limitations, I conducted a three-part examination. First, I systematically reviewed the STI disclosure literature and summarized findings, critical limitations, and future research and intervention directions. Next, I …

Sexual Behaviour Patterns And Sti Risk: Results Of A Cluster Analysis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In Portugal, Karel Blondeel, Sonia Dias, Martina Furegato, Armando Seuc, Ana Gama, Ricardo Fuertes, Luís Mendão, Marleen Temmerman, Igor Toskin

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objectives: Portugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.

Design: A cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a …

Sti & Prep Updates, Marshal Miller, Md, Aahivs, Sunny Lai, Md

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

Learning Objectives

• Apply key findings from the DISCOVER trial to PrEP clinical decision-making
• Understand the gaps in PrEP research for cisgender women and adolescents
• Understand the use of on-demand pre-exposure prophylaxis
• Review Current treatment recs and emerging data on Gonococcal and Chlamydial infection
• Discuss diagnostic and management options for non-gonococcal urethritis

College Campus Outreach To Increase Chlamydia Screenings, Elizabeth Kinney

DNP Projects

A common sexual health concern around the world is sexually transmitted infections (STI). Chlamydia is the most reported sexual health problem. The highest prevalence of chlamydia rates is among ages 15-24, which includes college age students (CDC, 2019). The lack of education provided to students prior to starting college by parents, health care providers and high school sources as well as inaccurate information obtained from peers and erroneous internet sources may lead to misconceptions about STIs and consequently the avoidance of routine screening among this high-risk population (Canan & Jozkowski, 2017).

The purpose of this project was to determine if …

Effectiveness Of Digital Media Technologybased Interventions On Hiv & Sti Risk Reduction Among Young People: A Metaanalysis, Paul Sherwin O. Tarnate, Keith Roger R. Serrano, Vanessa-Maria F. Torres-Ticzon, Kathlynne Anne A. Senen

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background: Prevention strategies delivered through digital media technology (DMT) have been developed to reduce HIV incidence among young people. However, no best-practice DMT intervention strategies exist in handling HIV prevention programs among young people. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of DMT-based interventions in reducing risk-taking behaviours among young people that may predispose them to acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Subjects and Selection Criteria: Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies with rigorous controls comparing DMT-based interventions and controls on reducing risk-taking behaviors among young people aged 10-24 years were included. Data Collection: Search methods were done on the following: …

Social And Structural Barriers To Safer Sex Among Heterosexual Female Sex Workers, Erika Nikole Harding-Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals infected with HIV through heterosexual contact made up 24% (9,578) of all new infections in the United States. Female sex workers are at increased risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) because they may be more likely to participate in risky sexual behaviors including sex with multiple partners and condom-less anal/vaginal sex. Guided by the syndemic theory, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between social and structural factors (homelessness, substance use, immigration status, and use of healthcare) and risky sexual behaviors (condom-less vaginal sex and multiple sex partners) among female sex workers …

The Role Of Non-Neuronal Acetylcholine In Urogenital Chlamydial Infection, Jessica R. Lockhart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chlamydia trachomatiscauses a bacterial sexually transmitted infection, Chlamydia, that is often chronic and casues reproductive complications in women. We hypothesized that Chlamydia infection increases local acetylcholine (ACh) production, which regulates the host’s inflammatory response to the infection. Female mice infected with C. muridarumwere sacrificed at days 3, 9, 15, and 21 post-infection, genital tract tissues harvested, and immunohistochemistry performed to enumerate ACh-producing cells. Infection increased the number of ACh-producing cells in cervical tissue at days 3,15, and 21 post-infection (pi), uterine tissue at day 3 and 9 pi, and ovarian tissue day 3, 15, and 21 pi. These …

Moodle-Based Chlamydia Awareness Project To Increase Intention To Test In College Freshmen Males: A Dnp Scholarly Project, Adam Burri

DNP Scholarly Projects

In 2016, there were over 1.5 million cases of chlamydia reported in the United States with prevalence rates highest in people under 25 years of age (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Researchers have suggested that college aged adults (age 18-25) should be targeted for chlamydia educational programs because these individuals are lacking in knowledge about chlamydia prevention, infection, symptoms, and screening methods (Goundry, Finlay, & Llewellyn, 2013; Rutledge, Siebert, Chonody, & Killian, 2011). This scholarly project utilized a quasi-experimental, single-group pretest-posttest design and used a modified version of the Sex, Drugs, and Rock’n’Roll Questionnaire designed by Lim et …

The Current Burden Of Chlamydia And Gonorrhea Infections In The Three Rivers Health District, Donna Jordan

Capstone Experience

Background: The proportion of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in Douglas County, Nebraska is significantly higher than Nebraska and the U.S. Consequently, the Douglas County Health Department has initiated numerous programs to combat STIs. However, the prevalence of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea has sharply increased in recent years. Adjacent to Douglas County is the Three Rivers Health District, including Dodge, Saunders, and Washington Counties. Few studies have assessed the burden of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in the Three Rivers Health District.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to 1) Compare Chlamydia and Gonorrhea by age, gender, and ethnicity for Dodge, Saunders, and Washington …

Opportunistic Diagnosis Of Stis In High-Risk Populations, Kathleen W. Fitzgerald

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Introduction

Chlamydia and gonorrhea continue to be a detriment to public health, particularly those under the age of 25. These sexually transmitted infections can cause long-term health problems and should not be viewed lightly. Specifically, untreated or recurrent Chlamydia is the number one cause of ectopic pregnancy, tubal infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Urinary tract complaints are a prime opportunity for concurrent testing since many patients with dysuria may actually have a sexually transmitted infection causing urethritis. Traditional testing can be difficult and invasive because it requires either a pelvic exam or a repeat dirty urine sample spaced at least …

The Facts - Your Choice: Std Risk Information For The Adolescent Patient, J C. Gwilliam

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Sexual health education is one of the factors that has led to a dramatic drop in adolescent pregnancy since the 1990s. Paradoxically, though, rates of sexually transmitted-infections (STI) in the adolescent population during that period soared. The educational deficit appears to be a lack of understanding of both short- and long-term health risks that STIs pose, and conflation of contraceptive effectiveness with STI prevention. This project sought to develop an inexpensive, office-based education product that would aid practitioner-adolescent patient discussion and facilitate follow-up in the family medicine setting.

Enhancing Sexually Transmitted Infection Notification: A Quality Improvement Collaborative Case Report, William C. Livingood, Lori Bilello, Katryne Lukens-Bull, Ulyee Choe

Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research

This case study illustrates how a quality improvement (QI) Collaborative supports an implementation study of using mobile phone texting technology for notification of sexually transmitted infections (STI) test results. The County Health Departments making up the QI Collaborative meet monthly to discuss their progress in using QI to advance the use of texting for STI test results. The main purpose of QI Collaboratives is to maximize implementation outcomes through sharing of successes and challenges. The case study report describes how implementation research can adapt to the context of each unique CHD and the users of new knowledge rather than emphasizing …

Assessing The Effects Of An Std Educational Intervention On Greek Society College Students’ Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Safe Sex Behaviors, Jennifer W. Goldsberry

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

This study measured the effectiveness of an evidence-based educational intervention targeting STD prevention in Greek society members attending college and examined relationships between sexual health knowledge, attitudes toward safe sex behaviors, and sexual demographics. One hundred thirty-two Greek society members attending college participated. Instruments measured demographic characteristics, knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and attitudes toward practicing safe sex behaviors at baseline and one week post-intervention. There was a significant increase in STD knowledge from baseline (M=13.03, SD=6.5) to one week (M=20.27, SD=4.9) t (131) = -13.53, p = .000. Fraternity members were more …

Improving Hpv Vaccinations In Military Women, Sarah Beth Wedel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Project Purpose: The purpose of the project was to implement Human Papillomavirus (HPV) patient education during every well woman exam (WWE) to improve patient knowledge and HPV vaccination rates in military women aged 18-26 years.

Background: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer and, despite the availability of a vaccine; HPV continues to be the most common STI in the U. S. (American Cancer Society, 2013). Approximately 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and 14 million individuals will become infected annually, leading to more than 10,000 cases of cervical cancer …

Rush To Judgment: The Sti-Treatment Trials And Hiv In Sub-Saharan Africa, Eileen Stillwaggon, Larry Sawers

Economics Faculty Publications

Introduction: The extraordinarily high incidence of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa led to the search for cofactor infections that could explain the high rates of transmission in the region. Genital inflammation and lesions caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were a probable mechanism, and numerous observational studies indicated several STI cofactors. Nine out of the ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs), however, failed to demonstrate that treating STIs could lower HIV incidence. We evaluate all 10 trials to determine if their design permits the conclusion, widely believed, that STI treatment is ineffective in reducing HIV incidence.

Discussion: Examination of the …

Increasing Awareness Of The Hpv Vaccine, Jonathan M. Hernandez

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Increasing the public awareness and knowledge of HPV complications and prevention through vaccination is an effective intervention to increase vaccination rates and reduce overall public health cost and burden.

Human Papillomavirus And The Gardasil Vaccine: Medicalization And The Gendering Of Bodies And Bodily Risk, Lauren Camara

The Partisan

No abstract provided.

An Educational Approach: Increasing College Freshmen's Knowledge Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections, Jennie Mcclain

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

According to the Centers for Disease Control (2009), young adults account for only 25% o fsexually active persons in the United States, but account for 50% of the newly diagnosed cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some young adults may not have received appropriate or credible information on sexual health by which to make knowledgeable decisions that may influence the rest of their lives. High schools are not required to offer comprehensive sex education. Therefore, some students may have received abstinence-only sex education. Risk reduction and disease prevention are important in college health. This evidenced-based practice project included the creation, …

Comparing Two-Year Community College And Four-Year University Student Social And Behavioral Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Factors, Oswald M. Attin

Faculty Dissertations

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could cause ectopic, cervical cancer, infertility, and organ damage to the heart, kidneys, and brain. This study compared several behavioral risk factors of STIs (condom use, number of sexual partners, type of sex (anal or vaginal) and drinking habits) between two distinct educational settings and their association with socioeconomic risk factors such as low income and parent’s lower level of education that are known to increase the incidence of STIs among college-aged students. This study was based on the precautionary-health-behavior model, where individuals act regardless of consequences, and the health-behavior-change model, where individual behaviors either increase …