title: [Chlamydia trachomatis in family planning. Is screening necessary?].
abstract: The authors used cellular cultures obtained from endocervix samples in order to determine the predominant factors of infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in a population of 391 women who attended a family planning consultation. The authors studied the relation between the infection and the following variables: age, geographical origin, social class, marital status, history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), risk behaviours, contraceptive methods and attitudes towards both the disease and therapy. Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated in 7 women (1,8%). The highest infection rates were found in the following categories: women between the ages of 35-40 (4,9%), women who resort to hormonal contraception (3,4%), women between the ages of 20-25 (3,2%) and single women and/or women who do not have a regular partner (2,6%). No statistically relevant relation between the above variables and the infection was found, although a relatively high risk was revealed for women who resort to hormonal contraception (O.R = 7,4). The authors have concluded the following: 1. There is no need to proceed with the systematic universal screening of infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in the yearly family planning consultations for the low risk STD populations; 2. Hormonal contraception is a factor to be considered when selecting the women to be screened; 3. The yearly gynaecological supervision of women who attend family planning consultations is an important factor in checking the disease; 4. Information on the couple's attitude towards the disease and therapy is essential in the prevention of relapses.
authors.affiliation: Fundação Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Guerreiro
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Borrego
authors.forename: L da C
authors.initials: Lda C
authors.lastname: Teles
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Catry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors