Risk behaviour, healthcare access and prevalence of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a population-based sample of adults in Barbados. Issue 3 (27th February 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adams, O P; Carter, A O; Prussia, P; McIntyre, G; Branch, S L
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 84:Issue 3(2008)
• Page Start: 192
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2008-02-27
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.2007.028126
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of urogenital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in people 18 to 35 years of age in Barbados, and to examine factors associated with infection. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of randomly selected people from the voters' register of one electoral district and the collection of urine samples for testing by PCR. Results: The response rate was 82%; 408 people (195 males and 213 females) completed a questionnaire and had their urine collected. 397 urine samples were satisfactorily tested. Prevalence of C trachomatis urogenital infection was 11.3% (95% CI ±2.9) and N gonorrhoeae 1.8% (95% CI ±1.2) with 12.6% (95% CI ±3.1) having either or both infections. The difference in prevalence by gender was not significant. Multivariate logistic regression showed that prevalence of C trachomatis and/or N gonorrhoeae decreased with increasing age (per year OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.96, p = 0.001), and decreasing time (⩽6 months vs >6 months) since last medical consultation (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.88, p = 0.02). Most (76%) infected people were asymptomatic. Condom use at last intercourse with a partner not being lived with was not protective (reported by 52%, p = 0.617). The usual source of health care was evenly distributed between the public and private sectors and was not associated with infection. Only 30% of people had ever heard of chlamydia, whereas 92% were aware of gonorrhoea. Conclusions: Asymptomatic infection with C trachomatis is an important reservoir of infection, which will remain undetected unless physicians and young people are made aware of this and screening is introduced.