**each question (1-5) must be fully answered, but may not be more than 200 words each item. You must be clear and concise with your answers**

Assignment:

A public health agency is considering a policy that requires everyone over the age of 18 to be screened for a sexually transmitted (STD) infectious disease each year. This policy would be used to determine those who are positive vs. those who are negative. Those who test positive will be required to undergo treatment and disclose their diseases to any former or future sexual partners.

1. Is this type of disease a suitable infection for mass screening? Why or why not? Be sure to include generally accepted information and use for screening tests. What considerations regarding test validity must be evaluated before selecting a test method for this screening program?

2. The only cost effective test available demonstrates a positive predictive value of less than 50%. What ethical and economic concerns do you have about using this test for screening the population for an STD infection?

3. Explain why clinicians may be overly influenced by negative tests with poor sensitivity. (consider the implications of diagnostic tests that demonstrate poor sensitivity)

4. State two reasons to favor such a policy. Use arguments related to the nature of STDs, health literacy, or validity measures of diagnostic test.

5. State two reasons to oppose such a policy. In addition to the criteria stated for #4, consider science factors and ethical concerns.