title: Facilitating chlamydia testing among young people: a randomised controlled trial in cyberspace.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Chlamydia notifications have been rising in Australia for over a decade and are highest in young people. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an internet-based intervention on chlamydia testing among young people 16-25 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this randomised controlled trial, recruitment, data collection, study interventions and follow-up occurred entirely in cyberspace, facilitated by a website. Eligible participants were aged 16-25 years and resided in Australia. The intervention group received personalised emails inviting interaction about chlamydia testing, while the control group received regular impersonal emails. Primary outcome was self-reported chlamydia testing at 6-month follow-up; secondary outcomes were condom use and changes in knowledge and attitudes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  704 young people completed baseline information, 40 were excluded and five withdrew prior to follow-up. The follow-up rate was 47.3% overall. In the intervention group, 40.6% (95% CI 30.7% to 51.1%) reported having had a chlamydia test at follow-up compared with 31.0% (95% CI 24.8% to 37.2%) in the control group (p=0.07). A per-protocol analysis found that those who engaged in email interaction were more likely to report chlamydia test uptake compared with those in the control group (52.5%, 95% CI 39.3 to 65.4% cf 31.0%, 95% CI 24.8% to 37.2%, p=0.002). There were no differences in secondary outcomes between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first randomised controlled trial undertaken in cyberspace to promote chlamydia testing. E-technology may be useful in promoting chlamydia testing and healthcare seeking behaviour in young people.
authors: Discipline of General Practice, Sydney Medical School-Westmead, PO Box 154, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. melissa.kang@sydney.edu.au
authors: Melissa
authors: M
authors: Kang
authors: Arlie
authors: A
authors: Rochford
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Skinner
authors: Adrian
authors: A
authors: Mindel
authors: Marianne
authors: M
authors: Webb
authors: Jenny
authors: J
authors: Peat
authors: Tim
authors: T
authors: Usherwood
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002689:Chlamydia / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008219:Lymphogranuloma Venereum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult