Social-, age- and gender differences in testing and positive rates for Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital infection - a register-based study.

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis is suspected of causing female infertility. It is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection with an estimated general prevalence of ~5-10% with a peak in younger individuals. C. trachomatis infection is more prevalent among lower social classes.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the association between age, gender, social status and testing and positive rates is investigated in the age group 15-24 years.

DESIGN

Case-control study linked to data from Statistics Denmark.

METHODS

Data from the Department of Microbiology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen were used and included 21887 people tested by general practitioners (GPs) and 3177 people tested at a venereological clinic. The age range was 15-24 years in 2011. These data were linked with the parental educational status delivered by Statistics Denmark, which also delivered a matched control group. The data were analysed using a case-control design.

RESULTS

Testing was more frequent in the following groups: age range 20-24 years, females and patients with higher parental educational status. About 87.3% of patient had been tested by GPs. Positive rates were highest among males at the general practice constituting 17.1% versus females 10.6%, younger individuals and patients with lower parental educational status.

CONCLUSIONS

The C. trachomatis testing pattern and positive rates highlight a need for a greater focus on males, younger patients and individuals with a lower social status.