Comparing State Policies on Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The purpose of the final project is to engage you in writing a health policy analysis. There are five steps in the health policy analysis process.

Using South University Online Library or the Internet, research on a sexually transmitted disease (STD) policy of the state you reside in. Once you identify an STD policy from the state you reside in, visit your state health department or browse your state's website and search for the STD policy you selected.

Next, write a research paper describing this public health policy analysis and background. The final paper should include the following:

• A title page

• An introduction of policy analysis in two to three paragraphs discussing the following:

• Overview

• Purpose

• A body

• Health policy background (one page):

• The state's role in the policy-making process

• The purpose of public health policy

• Public health policy analysis five-step process discussing the following:

• A problem statement (in the form of a question) (two paragraphs)

• Background of a policy analysis provides factual information needed to understand the problem. Include economic issues of policy as well as regulatory policy (two pages).

• The landscape section of a policy analysis identifies key stakeholders and describes the factors that are needed to analyze the problem. Write the landscape section on policy analysis. Include balance of patient rights versus protecting the population. Include any influence from government insurance programs. Your response should be of at least three pages.

• Options (three or four) to address the policy problem. Your response should be of at least three pages.

• Recommendations section should clearly identify three options. Which of the three options is favored and why is it is preferred over the other ones. Your response should be of at least one page.

• A conclusion

• Your conclusion (one page) should address the following main points:

• Your recommendation and the reasoning behind it.

• Summarize your findings.

• Explain the barriers to implementing policy analysis process and how they could be overcome.

Comparing State Policies on Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Abstract

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) incidents have doubled up in the previous one year. This has causes noticeable concern among the various states in America as scientist are called upon to research on these diseases and provide the much needed cure. Different states have different policies on sexually transmitted diseases. These policies are based on the rate of occurrence and the state population under threat. This particular research paper will major on the Californian state and address the state’s policies on sexually transmitted diseases.in the state of California, STDs have become a state nuisance as the state government is constantly providing funds to research on these diseases.

STDs in the state of California can be attributed to the high rate of prostitution and indecency among the various state cities. To curb this menace, the state of California has put in place a state policy on sexually transmitted diseases.

To aid in this research, participants from all walks of life including civil leaders, religious leaders, medical practitioners and community workers and prostitutes were interviewed and questionnaires distributed to find out the main cause of STDs and ways of minimizing the risks of infection and curing the disease.

This research found that the various state policies on sexually transmitted diseases in the state of California greatly helped infected people get instant medical care and also sensitizing the general public on the causes, effects and ways to curb these diseases.

Due to the research, many people in California especially commercial sex workers in the states red light districts, have benefited from these program and the incidents of STDs are set to drastically reduce in the period of the next six months.

Comparing State Policies on Sexually Transmitted Diseases

According to the California department of public health, (2015), the main sexually transmitted diseases in the state are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Other prevalent cases of sexually transmitted diseases are also reported in California including hepatitis but their prevalence rate is so minimal to raise probable concern.

In 2013, 168,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported (167,916 cases at a rate of 43.9 per 100,000 population), 38,000 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were also recorded, and this translates to a total of 38,365 cases at a rate of 100.4 per 100,000 population. Also chlamydia cases were very prevalent, 3,500 cases were reported (3,354 case at a rate of 9.3 per 100,000 population). The prevalence rate differed considerable between males and females.in women gonorrhea prevalence rates in 2010 were at a 57.2 and remaining constant in 2011increasing steadily to 69.0 in 2012 and hitting an all-time high of 74.5 in 2013. Compared to men, the rates of gonorrhea reported were high, in 2010 86.1 was the prevalence rate while the figures skyrocketed to 126.2 in 2013 positing that men in California were more likely to be infected with gonorrhea as compared to women.

The increase in men cases reported was as a result of a high number of men having sex with men (MSM) in California. Cases of primary and secondary syphilis in women was at 0.6 in 2012 and increased to 1.1 in 2013, men reported cases of the STD was at a rate of 15.1 in 2012 and a sharp increase to 17.6 in 2013. Chlamydia cases reported were at a rate of 608.2 per 100,000 population to 588.6 in 2013 while cases reported of men were at a rate of 285.2 in 2012 and graduated to 288.6 in 2013 per 100000 population

The state of California has instituted a state policy on sexually transmitted diseases. The mission of the STD Control Branch is to minimize the transmission rates and underlying problems associated with sexually transmitted diseases and viral hepatitis in California. The branch helps their course through providing statewide leadership, guidance, training, technical assistance, surge capacity and safety net support for delivering services throughout the state. The California department of public health works closely with local health jurisdictions and stakeholders in the public and private sectors to help reduce the transmitting of STDs and its impact throughout the state of California.

References

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Kim, JY; Rich, J; Zeirler, S; et all (1997). "Successful community follow-up and reduced recidivism of HIV-positive women prisoners". Journal of Correctional Health Care 4: 1–9.

Vigilante, KC; Flynn, MM; Affleck, PC; et al. (1999). "Reduction in recidivism of incarcerated women through primary care, peer counseling, and discharge planning". Journal of Women's Health 8: 409–415

Branson, BM; Handsfield, HH; et, al (September 22, 2006). "Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults, Adolescents, and Pregnant Women in Health-Care Settings". MMWR, Recommendations and Reports 55 (RR14): 1–17.

Reference

Sexually Transmitted Diseases in California, (2013).California Department of Public Health, STD Control Branch, January 2015.

Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W Jr. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspective Sex Reproductive Health.