Investigating Multiple-Reported Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Hot Spot Counties in the United States: Ordered Spatial Logistic Regression.

PURPOSE: To identify and examine the correlates of multiple bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) hot spot counties in the United States.

METHODS

We assembled and analyzed 5 years (2008-2012) of cross-sectional STI morbidity data to identify multiple bacterial STI (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) hot spot counties using hot spot analysis. Then, we examined the association between the multi-STI hot spots and select multiyear (2008-2012) sociodemographic factors (data obtained from the American Community Survey) using ordered spatial logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 2935 counties, the results indicated that 85 counties were hot spots for all 3 STIs (3-STI hot spot counties), 177 were hot spots for 2 STIs (2-STI hot spot counties), and 145 were hot spots for only 1 STI (1-STI hot spot counties). Approximately 93% (79 of 85) of the counties determined to be 3-STI hot spots were found in 4 southern states--Mississippi (n = 25), Arkansas (n = 22), Louisiana (n = 19), and Alabama (n = 13). Counties determined to be 2 STI hot spots were found in 7 southern states--Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and North and South Carolina had at least ten 2-STI hot spot counties each. The multi-STI hot spot classes were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with percent black (non-Hispanic), percent Hispanics, percent American Indians, population density, male-female sex ratio, percent aged 25 to 44 years, and violent crime rate.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides information on multiple STI hot spot counties in the United States and the associated sociodemographic factors. Such information can be used to assist planning, designing, and implementing effective integrated bacterial STI prevention and control programs/interventions.