Identifying the prevalence and correlates of STDs among women residing in rural domestic violence shelters

The present study uses a cross-sectional study design to assess the prevale nce and abuse-related correlates of STDs among women (n = 203) residing in rural and nonurban domestic violence shelters, a venue in which health care providers could intervene by providing STD prevention counseling, diagnosi s and treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the p revalence and correlates of self-reported STDs among women residing in dome stic violence shelters. Tn this sample, 99% of women reported being physica lly abused in the prior 2 months, 55% reported being sexually abused and 43 % reported being raped. Further, 33% of women reported acquiring an STD dur ing their abusive relationship, 13.3% reported acquiring multiple STDs and 9.2% reported acquiring an STD in the 2 months prior to entering the shelte r. Tn this Sample having a history of rapt, having an unfaithful partner an d fear negotiating condom use were all associated with having an STD histor y. Coordinating STD services with domestic violence shelters could reach a high-risk population that is not traditionally targeted by STD programs, co uld increase early detection of STDs, may increase access to and improve th e quality of STD-related care, particularly among rural populations, and co uld be cost-effective.