In January 2007 the Primary Health Care Research and Evaluation Unit at Notre Dame commenced a study to determine the frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis (symptomatic and asymptomatic) presentations in an at-risk group of the Australian male population attending general practitioners. Assessment of appropriate follow-up care by GP will also be determined.
Target population: Males aged 15-29 years presenting to their GP (in 7 Metropolitan and outer Metropolitan Suburbs of Perth, Western Australia) for routine examination are being targeted.
Sample size: Based on a prevalence of 6% (Vajdic et al, 2005: Sexual Health 2:169-183) and a precision measure of 2%, a sample size of 542 participants would be required to ensure (CI 95%) that the study estimate is representative of the population estimate. We envisage recruiting 600 participants. Study design: Information on risk taking behaviour is collected by self administered questionnaire from consenting participants. In addition, a 25ml sample of first stream urine is collected for chlamydia testing by PCR. There is no further study-related follow-up for participants. Those with positive test results are contacted and managed by the GP as per standard WA Department of Health Guidelines for managing sexually transmitted infections. General practitioners will be contacted by the researchers to assess their level of follow-up care through a brief questionnaire.
Recruitment commenced in early February. At the time of submission of this abstract (March) fifteen participants have been recruited. Preliminary data will be presented.
The authors will discuss their experience of undertaking clinical research in the area of sexual health in general practice.
The study will provide information on the prevalence of chlamydia. It will also serve to increase awareness of chlamydia infection and inform policy on the effectiveness of education in primary health care