Quality Assessment of Chlamydia trachomatis Screening and Treatment in a Juvenile Detention Center

Screening and treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis in the incarcerated population is important and challenging. The goal of this study was threefold: (a) investigate the usefulness of screening asymptomatic juveniles; (b) examine the feasibility of completing treatment in high turnover juvenile correction facilities; and (c) assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current screening and treatment program in a juvenile detention center relative to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. In a retrospective chart review of 508 subjects, the researchers analyzed the screening of juvenile inmates and treatment of those who tested positive for C. trachomatis. The study showed that 20.8% of females and 8.9% of males tested positive for C. trachomatis during screening in 2005. Findings also demonstrated that 86.4% of juveniles received appropriate treatment.