An Updated Spreadsheet Tool to Estimate the Health and Economic Benefits of STI and HIV Prevention Activities.

Abstract

Background: This manuscript describes an updated spreadsheet tool that sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention programs in the United States can use to estimate the health and economic benefits of their STI and HIV prevention activities.

Methods: The development of the updated tool, STIC (Sexually Transmitted Infection Costs) Figure 2.0, involved two main components. First, we revised the tool to be more useful and user-friendly based on feedback from focus groups and usability testing. Second, we updated the mathematical model behind the calculations by (1) revising the model to reflect current STI and HIV prevention activities in the United States, (2) updating the epidemiological and economic parameters in the model using the best available evidence, and (3) including ranges (not just point estimates) in the model output. To demonstrate the use of STIC Figure 2.0, we applied it to estimate the impact of a hypothetical prevention program, consistent with that of a health department or large STI clinic in a metropolitan area.

Results: STIC Figure 2.0 incorporated new features, including an interactive user interface to explore findings and create customized charts for use in reports and presentations. The hypothetical example we analyzed illustrated how providing STI treatment to 2,680 people and HIV prevention services to 325 people could avert 1,253 adverse outcomes and save over $2 million in medical costs and productivity costs.

Conclusions: Although subject to important limitations, STIC Figure 2.0 allows state and local programs, including STI clinics, to calculate evidence-based estimates of the impact of their program activities.