Local Public Health Systems and the Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (American Journal of Public Health)

The occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases within a population may be lowest in communities where core public health activities are shared by many partners, according to a study by Center Faculty Associate Hector Rodriguez in the American Journal of Public Health. Conversely, public health systems where the local health department shoulders much of the effort and offers comprehensive services may lead to higher STD rates.

Researchers linked county-wide STD incidence rates — specifically chlamydia and gonorrhea — to the organization and governance of local public health systems and health departments.   The 307 counties included in the study were separated into six categories of local health systems determined by size, financial allotments and amount of services offered. Data showed that local boards of health deemed independent and comprehensive by researchers — meaning departments individually offered a wide range of health services — produced higher STD rates (540.6 annual cases per 100,000 people).   When local health boards shared public health activities with many working partners, the number of annual cases dropped by over 75,000. An additional finding showed that counties with higher concentrations of black residents were more likely to have independent and comprehensive local public health services, and higher STD incidence.

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Publication Authors:

• Hector P. Rodriguez
• et al