Sexually transmissible infection testing among pregnant women in the US, 2011–15

Abstract

Introduction Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are increasing in the US. Pregnant women and infants are susceptible to serious STI-related sequelae; however, some STIs can be cured during pregnancy with appropriate, timely screening. Methods: We used data from the 2011–15 National Survey of Family Growth to examine STI testing (in the past 12 months) among women who were pregnant in the past 12 months (n = 1155). In bivariate and multivariable analyses, we examined associations between demographics, health care access and two outcome variables, namely receipt of a chlamydia test and receipt of other STI tests. Results: Among women who were pregnant in the past 12 months, 48% reported receiving a chlamydia test and 54% reported that they received an STI test other than chlamydia in the past 12 months. In adjusted analyses, non-Hispanic Black women were more likely to receive a chlamydia test (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.86–4.26) and other STI tests (aOR 2.43; 95% CI 1.58–3.74) than non-Hispanic White women. Women living in a metropolitan statistical area but not the principal city were less likely to report chlamydia (aOR 0.62; 95% CI 0.44–0.86) and other STI (aOR 0.57; 95% CI 0.40–0.81) testing than women living in a principal city. Women born outside the US were significantly less likely to have received a chlamydia test (aOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.19–0.64) or other STI test (aOR 0.34; 95% CI 0.20–0.58), whereas those who had received prenatal care were more likely to receive a chlamydia test (aOR 2.10; 95% CI 1.35–3.28) or another STI test (aOR 2.32; 95% CI 1.54–3.49). Conclusions: The findings suggest that interventions are needed to increase adherence to recommended STI screenings during pregnancy.