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.