On behalf of the Australian Collaboration for Chlamydia Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance System (ACCESS) Collaborative (contributors are listed under Acknowledgements).
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Chlamydia sentinel surveillance in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services finds higher testing and positivity rates among younger people
Article first published online: 8 NOV 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2012.00929.x
© 2012 The Authors. ANZJPH © 2012 Public Health Association of Australia
Issue
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Volume 36, Issue 6, pages 577–581, December 2012
Additional Information
How to Cite
Goller, J. L., Ward, J., Saunders, M., Couzos, S., Kaldor, J. and Hellard, M. A. (2012), Chlamydia sentinel surveillance in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services finds higher testing and positivity rates among younger people. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 36: 577–581. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2012.00929.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 10 DEC 2012
- Article first published online: 8 NOV 2012
- Submitted: August 2011 Revision requested: February 2012 Accepted: June 2012
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- health services;
- Indigenous;
- chlamydia;
- epidemiology;
- Australia
Abstract
Objective: To measure chlamydia testing and positivity rates among 16–39 year olds attending Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs).
Methods: Retrospective non-identifiable computerised records containing consultation and chlamydia testing data were collected for patients (16–39 years) attending eight ACCHSs during 2008–09 in urban, regional and remote settings for the Australian Collaboration for Chlamydia Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance (ACCESS) system. Annual chlamydia testing and positivity rates were estimated.
Results: Over two years, 13,809 patients aged 16–39 years (57.8% female, 82.3% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) attended. The annual overall chlamydia testing rate was 13.0% (2008) and 16.0% (2009). Testing rates were higher among females (p<0.001) and among patients aged 16–29 than 30–39 years (males: p=0.01; females: p<0.001). Chlamydia positivity was 8.5% overall; similar in females (8.7%) and males (7.8%) (p=0.46); highest among 16–19 years (females: 17.4%; males: 13.0%), declining to 1.5% among females 35–39 years (p<0.001) and 4.8% among males 30–34 years (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Chlamydia testing at these ACCHSs approached recommended levels among some patient groups, however, it should increase. High positivity among younger people highlights they should be targeted.
Implications: Young people should be targeted for sexual health interventions. ACCHSs are well placed to provide enhanced sexual health services if appropriately resourced.