Cost-effectiveness of Check It: A Novel Community-Based Chlamydia Screening and Expedited Treatment Program for Young Black Men

A synthetic cohort study of a novel community-based chlamydia screening program with expedited partner treatment for young Black men in New Orleans found the program cost-effective. Background We assessed the cost-effectiveness of the Check It program, a novel community-based chlamydia screening and expedited partner treatment program for young Black men conducted in New Orleans since 2017. Methods We implemented a probabilistic cost-effectiveness model using a synthetic cohort of 16 181 men and 13 419 women intended to simulate the size of the Black, sexually active population in New Orleans ages 15-24 years. Results The Check It program cost $196 838 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $117 320-$287 555) to implement, saved 10.2 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs; 95% CI: 7.7-12.7 QALYs), and saved $140 950 (95% CI: -$197 018 to -$105 620) in medical costs per year. The program cost $5468 (95% CI: cost saving, $16 717) per QALY gained. All iterations of the probabilistic model returned cost-effectiveness ratios less than $50 000 per QALY gained. Conclusions The Check It program (a bundled seek, test, and treat chlamydia prevention program for young Black men) is cost-effective under base case assumptions. Communities where Chlamydia trachomatis rates have not declined could consider implementing a similar program.

Automated summary

A synthetic cohort study conducted in New Orleans shows that a community-based chlamydia screening program with expedited partner treatment for young Black men is cost-effective. The program saves on medical costs and improves quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), making it a viable option for other communities with high Chlamydia trachomatis rates.