Test of cure for gonorrhea in teenagers. Who complies and does continuity of care help?

This study evaluates factors influencing test of cure (TOC) compliance for gonorrhea in teenagers attending a public sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. The efficacy of providing continuity of care to improve the TOC rate is also evaluated. Overall, females complied better (54%) than males (33%), and younger males better than older males (greater than 16 years of age). Of patients with a prior history of gonorrhea, the TOC rates were significantly higher for those who had previously kept their TOC appointment. Continuity of care did not improve the TOC rate, but initial contact with a clinician appeared to influence the return rate of female adolescents. Male adolescents will apparently require a different intervention strategy to improve their appointment keeping.