Health and life concerns among patients attending a publicly funded sexually transmitted infection clinic.

OBJECTIVES

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics provide opportune settings in which to address a range of health concerns with an underserved population. The current research sought to identify and prioritize patients' health and social concerns.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Patients attending a publicly funded STI clinic (50% female, 62% African American) were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Participants completed a brief paper-and-pencil questionnaire.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 150 patients attending the STI clinic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

A survey of health and social concerns.

RESULTS

Participants rated STIs, human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS, teeth problems, and eye problems as their most concerning health problems. Other than STI-related concerns, patients expressed few concerns about their somatic health. Instead, these (mostly younger) patients expressed more concern about economic issues.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexually transmitted infection clinics provide a unique setting to provide health and mental health services to an at-need, underserved population; however, patients may prefer assistance with economic issues.