[Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women seeking termination of pregnancy 1985-2000].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to analyse trends for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a population of women seeking termination of pregnancy, and to assess whether socio-demographic characteristics are predictive of such infections.


METHODS
Since 1983 women seeking abortion in the university hospital in Trondheim have been systematically tested for Chlamydia trachomatis. Data on 11,376 abortions (1985-2000) were included in the study and results were analysed with logistic regression.


RESULTS
Age-adjusted prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis decreased from 9.0% to 5.0% in 1999-2000. The prevalence was highest among the youngest women. Single and cohabiting women had a higher prevalence of chlamydial infections than married women.


CONCLUSIONS
Women terminating their pregnancy are an excellent population for sentinel surveillance of Chlamydia trachomatis infection because of their young age, high proportion of singles, and relative inconsistent use of contraception. Even though the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis has decreased over the 16-year study period, it is still high for women seeking abortion, especially in the youngest age groups.
Bakken
Inger Johanne
IJ
Seksjon for epidemiologisk forskning, SINTEF Helse, 7465 Trondheim. inger.j.bakken@sintef.no
Skjeldestad
Finn Egil
FE
Nordbø
Svein Arne
SA
D000023:Abortion Applicants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012042:Registries; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors