Acceptability and consequences of screening for chlamydia trachomatis by home-based urine testing.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to study the acceptability and consequences of home-based chlamydia (CT) screening by Municipal Health Services (MHS) among 15- to 29-year-old participants.


METHODS
This study consisted of a cross-section of 156 CT-positives and 600 random sampled CT-negatives after receiving the result of their CT test.


RESULTS
Thirty-eight percent of the men and 59% of the women responded. The screening method was well-accepted. Seventy percent (52) of the CT-positives were surprised about their result. Infected women more often than men reported a feeling of being dirty and of anxiety about infertility. Curiosity for the CT result was decisive for participation in 68% and perception of personal risk was poor. The willingness to be tested regularly was determined by present chlamydial infection, young age, multiple lifetime partners, short relationship, and earlier test for chlamydia.


CONCLUSIONS
Chlamydia screening organised by MHS is acceptable for future screening. Participants with an elevated risk are interested in screening as long as test kits are easily available. Counseling with focus on effects of CT, especially on women, is essential. Alternative approaches are needed to motivate men and non-Dutch high-risk groups.
Götz
Hannelore M
HM
Municipal Public Health Service, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. gotzh@ggd.rotterdam.nl
Veldhuijzen
Irene K
IK
van Bergen
Jan E A M
JE
Hoebe
Christian J P A
CJ
de Zwart
Onno
O
Richardus
Jan H
JH
van Bergen
J E A M
JE
Broer
J
J
Coenen
A J J
AJ
Götz
H M
HM
de Groot
F
F
Hoebe
C J P A
CJ
Richardus
J H
JH
van Schaik
D T
DT
Veldhuijzen
I K
IK
Verhooren
M J C
MJ
D000293:Adolescent; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000652:urine; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009426:Netherlands; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D016482:Urinalysis