Opportunistic screening for chlamydia in young men.
BACKGROUND
Information on prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis in young men attending Australian general practices is scarce.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to estimate the prevalence of chlamydia in this group; establish behaviours associated with infection, and evaluate general practitioner follow up of positive cases.


METHODS
Sexually active men (aged 15-29 years) attending 10 general practices in Perth, Western Australia, were tested for chlamydia and completed a self report questionnaire concerning sexual practices and symptoms.


RESULTS
Prevalence of chlamydia was 3.7% (95% CI: 2-6%, n=14/383). High rates of risky sexual practices were observed in both chlamydia positive and negative participants. The association between chlamydia status and risky sexual practices however, was not statistically significant. Treatment and notification of positive cases were usually undertaken, but GPs did not always check that patients had contacted sexual partners.


CONCLUSIONS
We found little relationship between reported sexual behaviour and chlamydia infection in young men. It may be appropriate to offer screening to all at risk individuals.
Hince
Dana
D
University of Notre Dame Australia, Western Australia. dana_adelle@yahoo.com
Brett
Tom
T
Mak
Donna
D
Bulsara
Max
M
Moorhead
Robert
R
Arnold-Reed
Diane
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014904:Western Australia / Q000453:epidemiology