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Published on: August 11, 2012
Screening Belgian university students for Chlamydia trachomatis infection: a feasibility study
Annelies Colliers1, Ann Verster, Karolien Van Puyenbroeck
1Department of General Practice, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health
|December 18, 2009
Summary
Opportunistic screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infection among Belgian university students is feasible and useful for diagnosing asymptomatic cases. However, students found self-assessing infection risk difficult, necessitating attention to overscreening and male participation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection.
- Asymptomatic infections are prevalent, particularly among young adults.
- Effective screening strategies are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and utility of opportunistic Chlamydia trachomatis screening.
- To assess the role of self-assessed risk in student participation.
- To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a Belgian university student population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 243 university students in Belgium.
- Self-administered questionnaires to assess risk perception and screening utility.
- Collection of first-void urine samples for Chlamydia trachomatis DNA testing via PCR.
- Confirmation of positive results using a secondary amplification assay.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 2.9%.
- Among students meeting inclusion criteria, the prevalence was 5.4%.
- Frequent risk factors reported included new partners (past 6 months) and multiple partners (past year).
Conclusions:
- Opportunistic screening for Chlamydia trachomatis is a viable strategy in university settings.
- Students experienced challenges in accurately assessing their own infection risk.
- Strategies to improve male participation and reduce overscreening in low-risk individuals are needed.
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