Abstract:

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are common among adolescents. This case focuses on the population-based prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The case begins with clinical, diagnostic, and laboratory management of an adolescent female diagnosed with gonorrhea.

Students then examine how the diagnosis of an STD can be used as an opportunity to provide preventive care and counseling on safer sexual behaviors. Questions addressing HIV testing and counseling are included in this section. Students proceed to explore how the diagnosis and reporting of an STD calls for interaction, such as partner notification, between clinical providers and public health departments.

Finally, students are provided with actual information from local focus groups on attitudes and behaviors of high-risk adolescents. At the conclusion of the case, they are asked to interpret the data and formulate strategies to decrease gonorrhea rates in the community.

Objectives:

• Evaluate adolescents with sexually transmitted diseases
• Select laboratory tests important to STD diagnosis
• Counsel adolescents for HIV testing
• Report diseases to public health authorities
• Provide partner notification