Chlamydia testing and retesting patterns at family planning clinics in Australia.
Sex Health
; 10(1): 74-81, 2013 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23256944
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
National guidelines recommend opportunistic chlamydia screening of sexually active 16- to 29-year-olds and encourage retesting 3-12 months after a diagnosed chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) infection. We assessed chlamydia testing patterns at five Australian family planning clinics (FPCs).METHODS:
Using routine clinic data from 16- to 29-year-olds, we calculated chlamydia testing and positivity rates in 2008-2009. Reattendance, retesting and positivity rates at retesting within 1.5-4 and 1.5-12 months of a positive result were calculated.RESULTS:
Over 2 years, 13?690 individuals aged 16-29 years attended five FPCs (93% female). In 2008, 3159 females (41.4%,) and 263 males (57.0%) were tested for chlamydia; positivity was 8% and 19%, respectively. In 2009, 3178 females (39.6%) and 295 males (57.2%) were tested; positivity was 8% and 23%, respectively. Of 7637 females attending in 2008, 38% also attended in 2009, of which 20% were tested both years. Within 1.5-4 months of a positive test, 83 (31.1%) females reattended; the retesting rate was 13% and 12% retested positive. Within 1.5-12 months of a positive test, 96 (57.5%) females reattended; the retesting rate was 36% and 13% retested positive.CONCLUSIONS:
Approximately 40% of young people attending FPCs were tested for chlamydia but a smaller proportion were tested annually or were retested following chlamydia infection. High positivity rates emphasise that FPCs see a high-risk population. To maximise testing opportunities, clinical prompts, patient reminder systems and non-clinic testing strategies may be needed.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Lymphogranuloma Venereum
/
Mass Screening
/
Family Planning Services
Type of study:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Screening_studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Oceania
Language:
En
Journal:
Sex Health
Journal subject:
DOENCAS SEXUALMENTE TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2013
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia