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USPSTF Request for Public Comment: Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections

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On behalf of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, researchers at PolicyLab responded to a request for comment on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) draft recommendation statement and draft evidence on behavioral counseling interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

With rates of sexually transmitted infections consistently increasing among adolescents and young adults in the U.S., the USPSTF issued a draft recommendation statement for comment that proposes all adolescents and young adults who are sexually active and are at increased risk for contracting STIs should receive behavioral counseling. PolicyLab researchers’ response supporting USPSTF’s recommendation cites extensive evidence that implementing behavioral counseling interventions can improve the overall well-being of adolescents. They also provided suggestions on where USPSTF can incorporate more research to support the statements’ purpose.

Authors:

Wood S, Fiks A, Petsis D, Pickel J, Skolnik A, Mollen C, Dowshen N, Akers A