'This article describes findings from the California Gonorrhea Surveillance System (CGSS), developed in response to the need for detailed risk behavior data and clinical data required to control increasing gonorrhea (GC) infections in California. CGSS is a sample-based surveillance system implemented throughout California in 2007,' researchers in the United States report (see also Gonorrhea).
'In 34 of 61 local health jurisdictions (LHJs), 10% of GC cases are sampled for interview; in the other 27 LHJs, all cases are followed. A standardized case investigation record collects case-reported risk data and provider-reported clinical data, and is electronically prepopulated with available contact data. Exclusion criteria include age younger than 14 years, a GC diagnosis within the previous 30 days, and provider request that patient not be contacted. Analyses are weighted to account for sample design. In 2007, 31,192 cases of GC were reported in California. Of these, 5,388 were sampled for follow-up and 2,715 were interviewed, for a response rate of 54.2%. Of those interviewed, 49.6% were female, 28.8% were heterosexual males, and 21.6% were men who have sex with men (MSM). CGSS collects a wide range of behavioral and clinical data for targeted programmatic action. from the 2007 CGSS included data on the following areas: incarceration (highest among heterosexual males [22.4%]); methamphetamine use (high overall [12.2%] and lower among African Americans [4.6%]); co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (high among MSM [31.9%] and very low among heterosexual males and females [<0.5%]); and improper antibiotic use (8.3% overall; 25.6% among patients attending urgent care clinics). CGSS, an innovative sample-based surveillance system, is effective and flexible,' wrote M.C. Samuel and colleagues.
The researchers concluded: 'The system provides actionable data on an ongoing basis.'
Samuel and colleagues published their study in Public Health Reports (California Gonorrhea Surveillance System: Methodologic Aspects and Key Results of a Sample-Based System. Public Health Reports, 2009;124(Suppl. 2):87-97).
For additional information, contact M.C. Samuel, California Dept. of Public Health, Surveillance & Epidemiology Sect, STD Control Branch, 850 Marina Bay Pkwy, Bldg P, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
Publisher contact information for the journal Public Health Reports is: Association Schools Public Health, 1101 15TH St. NW, Ste. 910, Washington, DC 20005, USA.
Keywords: United States, Richmond, Behavior, Gonorrhea, Public Health.
This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Week via NewsRx.com.
