Chlamydia screening in Wellington Family Planning Association (FPA) clinics: a demonstration project

To demonstrate that enhanced screening for Chlamydia over and above the usual opportunistic screening in family planning (FPA) clinics is feasible, practical, and acceptable.

Over a 6-month period from November 2004 to May 2005, all under-25-year-olds attending three Wellington FPA clinics in New Zealand were offered Chlamydia urine testing. Staff interviews before and after the study were carried out to assess the impact of enhanced screening on clinic routines. Interviews were conducted with 50 clients to assess the acceptability to young persons. Additional questions were asked of 22 Chlamydia-positive clients to ascertain the acceptability of the procedures for follow up.

From a total of 4674 participants, a valid urine test was carried out on 2533 (54%). The most common reason for exclusion was having passed urine in the last hour. Positive tests were detected in 212 (8%). A positive result was more likely in those with a history of partner change or in Māori and Pacific ethnic groups; it was least likely in those who always used condoms. For the staff, time constraints were the most important barrier to screening. The procedures were acceptable to clients.

We demonstrated that improvements in Chlamydia screening are feasible, practical and acceptable to clients