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Chlamydia testing and retesting patterns at family planning clinics in Australia
Anna L Bowring1, Jane L Goller, Maelenn Gouillou
1Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia. annab@burnet.edu.au
Sexual Health
|December 22, 2012
Summary
Chlamydia screening reached about 40% of young people at family planning clinics, but annual testing and retesting after infection were low. High positivity rates indicate these clinics serve a high-risk population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sexual Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- National guidelines advocate opportunistic chlamydia screening for sexually active individuals aged 16-29.
- Retesting within 3-12 months is recommended after a chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate chlamydia testing patterns among young people attending Australian family planning clinics (FPCs).
- To assess chlamydia positivity and retesting rates following infection in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of routine clinic data from 16- to 29-year-olds at five FPCs between 2008-2009.
- Calculation of chlamydia testing and positivity rates.
- Determination of reattendance, retesting, and positivity rates within specific timeframes after a positive diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Approximately 40% of young attendees were tested for chlamydia annually.
- Chlamydia positivity rates were 8% for females and 19-23% for males.
- Retesting rates within 1.5-12 months of a positive diagnosis were 36%, with 13% testing positive again.
Conclusions:
- Family planning clinics serve a high-risk population for chlamydia, evidenced by high positivity rates.
- Current annual testing and retesting rates are suboptimal.
- Strategies like clinical prompts, reminder systems, and alternative testing methods are needed to improve chlamydia screening coverage.
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