Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and associated risk factors in women inmates admitted to a youth offenders institute in the UK.
The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections in young women inmates aged 17-21 located on the Youth Offenders Institute of HMP Holloway. The study consisted of a questionnaire and a urine sample for analysis. A health advisor administered a questionnaire to establish sociodemographic profile, sexual history and illicit drug use. C. trachomatis was diagnosed using a nucleic acid amplification test. Overall, the prevalence of C. trachomatis was 13.2%. Drug use was common with 41.2% using crack cocaine and 17.3% using intravenous heroin. A majority (80.2%) reported not using condoms during the last sexual encounter and 62.6% had a history of a previous pregnancy. Over half (53.3%) had a previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and 74.7% had never been previously diagnosed with a STI. Sexual health programmes in prisons should include screening as well as education about STI risk reduction and drug prevention.
Gabriel
G
G
Women's Health Clinic, HMP Holloway, London, UK. gabriel.gabriel@royalfree.nhs.uk
Burns
T
T
Scott-Ram
R
R
Adlington
R
R
Bansi
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D011329:Prisoners; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D047568:Unsafe Sex; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology