Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair
Ann Bianchi
Subject(s)
Women prisoners, Sexual health, Sexually transmitted diseases--Prevention, Sexually transmitted diseases--Treatment, Contraception
Abstract
Screening in the carceral setting for sexually transmitted infections and contraceptive needs is an opportune time to impact the equity health of the adult female in custody as well as public health. The prevalence of undiagnosed chlamydia and gonorrhea infections in a carceral setting is prevalent. Untreated sexually transmitted infections in females may lead to lifelong health implications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, increased risk for ectopic pregnancy, infertility and increased risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus. Unintended pregnancy rates among adult females in custody is double the rate of the general population. Multiple research studies have shown that adult females in custody desire the opportunity to access or continue contraceptives while in custody. The purpose of this clinical practice change project was to increase opportunities to continue or initiate contraceptives and increase screening for adult females in custody. This clinical practice change project addressed staff education regarding contraceptives use and sexually transmitted infection screening in a population that struggles with social determinants of health, such as poverty and transportation that impact their health care access. The population for this project included the medical staff at the Douglas, County jail in Roseburg, Oregon. The medical staff received training on contraceptives and opt out screening for sexually transmitted infections. The impact on adult females in custody as a result of the training received by the medical staff was evaluated. Adult females in custody received opt out screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea and education on options to request contraceptives while in custody. They had the opportunity to self-refer themselves to the medical clinic to address questions and concerns regarding sexually transmitted infection screening and contraceptive questions and options. Rates of sexually transmitted infection screening, contraceptive prescriptions and community referrals post release were compared to the same 12-week period in 2022. The results indicate when education is provided to the medical staff related to the importance of contraceptive access and continuity in contraceptives, use increased. In addition, when education was provided on opt out screening for sexually transmitted infections and the impact on individual and community health, screening rates increased.
Recommended Citation
Carhart, Kirstin, "A quality improvement project : improving sexually transmitted infection screening, treatment and contraceptive initiation and continuation in a carceral setting" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 120.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-dnp/120