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

Abstract

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.