A study of young peoples' attitudes to opportunistic Chlamydia testing in UK general practice

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>The objective of this study was to assess young people's perceptions of being offered a chlamydia screening test in United Kingdom (UK) general practice.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This is qualitative study that uses focus groups and individual interviews with young adults (age 16 – 18) to assess their views.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>These young adults were a difficult group to gain access to. Two focus groups, one in a school, the other in a general practice (family practice), and 2 individual interviews were undertaken (total sample 18). Respondents were unfamiliar with Chlamydia, but broadly aware of sexually transmitted infections. General practice (family practice) was perceived as an acceptable place to deliver opportunistic screening, but participants felt that tests should not be initiated by GP receptionists. Novel delivery routes such as schools and "Pub"/Bar dispensing machines were discussed. Issues around stigma and confidentiality were also raised.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Opportunistic Chlamydia screening in UK general practice (family practic seems acceptable to young adults. While this is a difficult group to gain access to for research, attempts need to made to ensure acceptability to users of this programme.</p

The pattern of notification and testing for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Victoria, 1998–2000: an ecological analysis

Abstract Objective:This ecological study analyses routinely collected chlamydia notification and testing data to investigate any patterns. Methods:Age and sex‐specific chlamydia notification and testing rates for Victoria were calculated for the period 1998 to 2000. Results:Chlamydia notification and testing rates rose between 1998 and 2000. Notification rates were higher among women aged 15 to 24 years than men of the same age (p<0.01) and higher among 25 to 44‐year‐olds living in metropolitan rather than rural/regional Victoria (p<0.01). Testing rates were higher for women than men (p<0.01) and higher in metropolitan rather than rural/regional areas (p<0.01) in all groups except women aged 15–24 years. Conclusions:These increasing rates highlight that chlamydia infection represents a substantial public health problem. Implications:Although these data provide useful information showing these rates vary with age and sex, formal epidemiological prevalence and risk factor studies are required