Epidemiological analysis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Saskatoon Health Region.

BACKGROUND

The incidence rates of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) in Saskatoon Health Region are approximately double the national average. A descriptive study was designed to try to determine why.

METHODS

The objectives of the study were: (1) to determine whether or not the introduction of a new detection method that is less invasive and more sensitive led to more tests being ordered and a higher percentage of positive cases; (2) to determine what percentage of physicians and STI clinic nurses notified Public Health within 72 hours of suspected Ct or GC; (3) to determine what percentage of physicians and STI clinic nurses listed sexual contact information; and (4) to compare recurrence rates between patients treated by physicians and STI clinic nurses.

RESULTS

The number of tests ordered for Ct and GC increased substantially from 10,425 in 1998 to 28,885 in 2003, while the percentage of positive cases decreased from 7.2% to 3.6%. Only 1.3% of physicians and 9.1% of STI clinic nurses notified Public Health within 72 hours of a suspected case. 51.2% of physicians listed sexual contact information in comparison to 85.4% of STI clinic nurses. Recurrence rates of Ct or GC within one year of initial treatment were 26% lower for patients treated by STI clinic nurses (5.7%) than for physicians (7.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for additional education for health care providers in the management of sexually transmitted infections in Saskatoon Health Region.