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O009 Evaluation of a pilot of internet requested Chlamydia test kits in 25 to 34 year olds
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  1. Deborah Shaw1,
  2. John Saunders1,
  3. Joanne Keal2,
  4. Sarah Woodhall1
  1. 1Public Health England, London, UK
  2. 2Lincolnshire County Council, Lincoln, UK

Abstract

Background In the UK, Chlamydia is most prevalent in those aged 16–24 years. However, 1.5% of women and 1.0% of men aged 25–34 years are estimated to be infected. Attending healthcare venues may be challenging in rural settings and internet-requested tests may help individuals to access testing. We report results from a pilot of internet-requested testing among 25 to 34 year-olds resident in a rural region of England.

Aim(s) To evaluate the pilot of internet-requested chlamydia test kits in 25 to 34 year-olds.

Methods Internet-requested test kits were made available to those aged 25 to 34 years through a dedicated website from 1st April to 31st December 2015. Number of test kit requests, returns, positivity (positive tests/number tested) and cost data were reviewed for those aged 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 years.

Results The proportion of kits that were returned was significantly higher among the older age group (Table 1). Positivity was similar in the two age groups. The average cost per test and per positive was £22.58 and £244.47, respectively, in the younger group and £22.08 and £303.45 for the older group.

Abstract O009 Table 1

Test requests, returns, tests and positivity by age group

Discussion The pilot shows that chlamydia internet tests were accessed by an older group who were at significant risk of infection as evidenced by the positivity in that group. Return rates were high. Provision of internet tests to older age groups may represent an attractive option for some local commissioners and providers.

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