Sexual Health Epidemiology
Sexual Health-Related Behavioral Surveillance
The Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology (OSHE) conducts behavioral surveillance to guide policy and programmatic development. Several sources of primary and secondary data are used to understand risk behaviors in: a) groups at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through HIV/STI Partner Services disease intervention activities analytics, b) localities with higher STI rates through supporting local testing efforts, and c) the general population through supporting inclusion of a state-added sexual behavior module on the annual statewide Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, coordinated with the New York State Department of Health Division of Chronic Disease Prevention. To the latter, OSHE has periodically repeated questions to collect data on trends over time related to sexual health, STI awareness, knowledge and attitudes about sexual health education in schools, and attitudes about condom availability programs for schools. The Office uses these data to provide and highlight useful information for STI prevention planning and sexual health promotion.
Contact:
Rachel Malloy, PhD, MPH
Director, Office of Sexual Health & Epidemiology
518-474-3598
Rachel.malloy@health.ny.gov
STI, Surveillance, Data Management and Analytics
The Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology’s (OSHE) Surveillance and Special Projects Unit (SSPU) is responsible for conducting STI surveillance related to screening, disease morbidity, and HIV/STI Partner Services disease intervention efforts. These activities include data collection and cleaning; treatment and partner services quality assurance and quality improvement; and dissemination of data to local, statewide, and national partners. SSPU works closely with the Bureau of HIV/STI Field Services, Regional Offices, and local health departments (LHD). Surveillance reporting includes identifying emerging issues, describing geographic and temporal trends in disease occurrence, and providing information necessary to develop and implement strategies for disease control and prevention. Additionally, surveillance data are used to evaluate program activities including existing regulations, field operations effectiveness, and screening programs.
With respect to disease morbidity, SSPU coordinates surveillance for reportable STIs conducted through a combination of passive, active, and laboratory-based reporting for the 57 New York State counties outside of New York City. These data are maintained using the Department’s Web-based Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS), the Communicable Disease Electronic Surveillance System (CDESS), and an electronic syphilis serology registry. With respect to partner services for STIs and HIV/AIDS, SSPU coordinates data collection and case management through the CDESS Management Information System (CDESS-MIS) and eAssign, an electronic case assignment utility program. CDESS-MIS and eAssign are also used for follow-up of HIV/AIDS patients who are identified as out-of-care by the Bureau of HIV/AIDS Epidemiology. SSPU provides training and technical assistance to data systems users; oversees and promotes laboratory and provider reporting of STIs, ensures completion of reporting on treatment, and works closely with LHD and Regional Offices to validate collected data. Ad hoc requests for data are completed upon request.
SSPU also operates the Interstate Communication and Coordination Relay (ICCR) desk which facilitates the transmission of STI intervention information among project areas, including National and Canadian STD control programs. The ICCR significantly contributes to STI prevention efforts by ensuring intervention services are not hindered by geographical boundaries. Further, ICCR desk also assists with coordinating HIV/AIDS partner services.
Morbidity data are summarized annually and disseminated in annual STI Surveillance Summary Report as well as within focused data briefs. The Annual STI Surveillance Report presents reported diagnoses and rates for New York State and New York City by STI, county, sex, race/ethnicity, and age. SSPU works with other prevention programs in NYSDOH as well as external partners to conduct independent research. Study results are presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Contact:
Rachel Malloy, PhD, MPH
Director, Surveillance & Special Projects
Bureau of STD Prevention & Epidemiology
518-474-3598
Rachel.malloy@health.ny.gov
