University undergraduates' knowledge of chlamydia screening services and chlamydia infection following the introduction of a National Chlamydia Screening Programme.
OBJECTIVE
To determine knowledge of sexually transmitted chlamydia infection among university undergraduates following the introduction of a National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).


METHODS
Anonymous self-administered questionnaire on chlamydia knowledge and sexual behaviour provided to a convenience sample of 400 university undergraduates.


RESULTS
There were 259 responses (65%) and 17% of respondents were aware of the NCSP. Female students had significantly higher mean knowledge scores than males (p < 0.001), were more likely to be aware of the NCSP (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11-7.49) and to have ever attended chlamydia screening (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.33-6.66). Overall, higher mean knowledge scores did not translate into reduced risk taking sexual behaviour, and female respondents were significantly more likely to attend for a 'general check-up' if they 'had sex without a condom with a person of unknown sexual history' (p = 0.043). Popular sources of chlamydia-related information were friends and the media. The internet was not a major source of information.


CONCLUSIONS
Awareness regarding the NCSP, chlamydia infection and screening is limited and perception of personal risk poor. New evidence-based strategies are required to address knowledge gaps and risk-taking behaviour among university students.
Greaves
Anna
A
School of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Lonsdale
Samantha
S
Whinney
Stephanie
S
Hood
Elizabeth
E
Mossop
Hilary
H
Olowokure
Babatunde
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult