Researchers to Study Florida's Public Health Role in Control and Prevention

STDs remain one of the most preventable yet highly prevalent types of disease in Florida, but the state-run STD clinics, which provide low-cost diagnosis and treatment services, are seeing fewer patients.

In order to determine problems associated with diagnosis and STD reinfections in Florida, University of Florida nurse researchers are conducting two studies examining the behaviors, attitudes and motivations toward STDs among people in Florida. The studies will include in-depth interviews and focus groups and will utilize census data and health records to assess why people are not visiting state-run STD clinics and whether they are obtaining treatment elsewhere.

The first study will be conducted in Broward, Duval, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties to gauge people's perceptions of the communities' STD clinics. "It's a big concern because we do not know where these people are going to be treated or if they are even being treated at all," said Sharleen Simpson, PhD, ARNP, director of the studies and an associate professor at the UF College of Nursing. "We can't assume that all of these patients are going to the private sector for care, where oftentimes it is more expensive and requires medical insurance, which patients may not possess."

According to a 2000 report from the CDC, more than 65 million people are living with an incurable STD, and 15 million new STD cases are discovered each year, one-fourth of which are contracted by teenagers. However, STDs are one of the most underrecognized health problems in the country today, Simpson said.

The researchers' second study will be a collaboration with the State Bureau of STD Prevention and Control and the CDC. The studies are funded by a $160,000 grant from the Florida Department of Health's State Bureau of STD Prevention and Control. Results are expected in 2003.

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