Screening for sexually transmitted diseases in non-traditional settings: a personal view

We conducted a literature search to review studies that presented quantitative data on sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening in non-traditional settings in the United States. We examined the studies for evidence of the feasibility of screening, population size reached, acceptability, yield, and potential for contributing to STD control. We found 17 studies in jails, eight in emergency room, five in schools and 15 in other community settings. Jail-based and emergency room-based STD screenings have the highest yields and the largest numbers screened and thus hold significant promise as settings for routine STD screening. More research needs to be done in school and community settings to better identify their potential.