Researchers conducted this study to evaluate young people’s acceptability of proactive Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) information and urine test. To discover the extent of CT infection and the practical implications for completing treatment and partner notification.
The study design was prospective screening with a sexual health questionnaire.
The study setting was three family planning clinics for young people in Liverpool and South Sefton.
Participants were nine hundred and five women, and 53 men had urine tests and answered the questionnaire. All aged 20 years or under attending the clinics were given information about CT and safer sex.
The primary outcome measures were the acceptability of proactive information and screening for CT using a urine test. Prevalence of CT infection. The time and effort incurred informing and managing those testing positive.
The information and urine test was readily accepted. The prevalence of CT was 8.5% in women and 5.7% in men. More than three-quarters of those testing positive were treated, but it took much time and effort, as follow-up attendance was low.
The prevalence of CT was high in this population. Young people participated in screening readily. They are interested in this health issue, but it was difficult to hold their attention long enough to complete the process of treatment and contact tracing. Completing this successfully either needs a massive input of resources or a new approach. These results have led to an outreach health adviser’s piloting administering treatment and carrying out partner notification at the screening site. Some of the questions raised by the CMO have been addressed.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/26/4/199
