Is there a seasonal variation in gonorrhea and chlamydia in adolescents?
OBJECTIVE
To determine if a seasonal variation exists in gonorrhea and chlamydia in female adolescents. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPASNTS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 604 sexually active adolescent females 21 years of age and younger in a teen pregnancy prevention clinic in a small Midwestern city. Positive gonorrhea and chlamydia tests were evaluated for seasonal variation. Chi-square, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.


RESULTS
A greater percentage of tests were positive in the fall than in other seasons (P = 0.028), and there was a trend towards more cases in the summer than winter and spring.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased emphasis should be placed on prevention and screening during summer and fall.
Schroeder
B
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Allegheny General Hospital, MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine, 7th Floor South Tower, 320 E. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA.
Tetlow
P
P
Sanfilippo
J S
JS
Hertweck
S P
SP
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons