Prevalence and sociodemographic risk factors of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis: a national multicentre STI survey in New Caledonia, 2012.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate prevalence and identify sociodemographic risk factors for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Treponema pallidum infections in New Caledonia.


METHODS
A national cross-sectional survey was undertaken using a three-stage random sampling of general practice surgeries and public dispensaries. Participants were included through opportunistic screening and using a systematic step for selection. The study sample was weighted to the general population aged 18-49 years. Prevalence and risk factors were calculated by logistic regression.


RESULTS
CT was the most common sexually transmitted infection, with a prevalence of 9% (95% CI 6.6% to %11.4), followed by NG 3.5% (95% CI 1.9% to 5.1%), previous or latent syphilis 3% (95% CI 1.7% to 4.3%), NG and CT co-infection 2.1% (95% CI 0.8% to 3.3%) and active syphilis 0.4% (95% CI 0.0% to 0.9%). Being from a young age group (18-25 years), being single, having a low level of education and province of residence were all associated with higher prevalence of all three STIs. Being of Melanesian origin was associated with higher prevalence of both CT and NG. There was a significant interaction between ethnic group and province of residence for prevalence of CT. Female gender was associated with higher prevalence of CT.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of CT was similar to estimates from other healthcare-based surveys from the Pacific, but higher for NG and lower for active syphilis infection. All sexually transmitted infections estimates were much higher than those found in population-based surveys from Europe and the USA. The sociodemographic risk factors identified in this study will help guide targeted prevention and control strategies in New Caledonia.
Department of Epidemiology, Agence Sanitaire et Sociale de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (ASSNC), Noumea, New Caledonia.
Philippe
P
Corsenac
New Caledonia Health and Social Affairs Service, Noumea, New Caledonia.
Martine
M
Noël
Department of Epidemiology, Agence Sanitaire et Sociale de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (ASSNC), Noumea, New Caledonia.
Bernard
B
Rouchon
Research Evidence and Information Programme, Public Health Division, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia.
Damian
D
Hoy
Research Evidence and Information Programme, Public Health Division, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia.
Adam
A
Roth
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009510:New Caledonia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
Chlamydia trachomatis; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; New Caledonia; Socio-demographic risk factors; Treponema pallidum