Opportunistic screening for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection and partner follow-up in family planning clinics in three Scottish cities.
Three large urban family planning clinics (FPCs) in Scotland participated in a study to examine the implications of opportunistically offering urine testing for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection and FPC follow-up of positive women and of their male partners. Ninety-eight percent (3029) of women accepted the test. The prevalence of infection was 5.2% and this decreased significantly with age. There was no significant difference in prevalence between centres. Ninety-one percent of positive women intended to inform at least one partner about their infection status. Pretest counselling took about 10 minutes per woman while management (excluding full screening for sexually transmitted infections) of positive women took an additional 10 minutes. Screening in the FPC is acceptable to many women and to some of their male partners. Training and resources for administration and staffing are required if opportunistic screening is to be implemented.
Noone
Ahilya
A
Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, Glasgow, UK. ahilya.noone@scieh.csa.scot.nhs.uk
Spiers
Aileen
A
Allardice
Gwen
G
Carr
Susan
S
Flett
Gillian
G
Brown
Audrey
A
Twaddle
Sara
S
D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000652:urine*; D016358:Contact Tracing; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D016387:Women's Health