Facilitating chlamydia testing among young people: a randomised controlled trial in cyberspace

Sex Transm Infect. 2012 Dec;88(8):568-73. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2011-050124. Epub 2012 Jul 4.

Abstract

Objectives: Chlamydia notifications have been rising in Australia for over a decade and are highest in young people. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an internet-based intervention on chlamydia testing among young people 16-25 years.

Methods: In this randomised controlled trial, recruitment, data collection, study interventions and follow-up occurred entirely in cyberspace, facilitated by a website. Eligible participants were aged 16-25 years and resided in Australia. The intervention group received personalised emails inviting interaction about chlamydia testing, while the control group received regular impersonal emails. Primary outcome was self-reported chlamydia testing at 6-month follow-up; secondary outcomes were condom use and changes in knowledge and attitudes.

Results: 704 young people completed baseline information, 40 were excluded and five withdrew prior to follow-up. The follow-up rate was 47.3% overall. In the intervention group, 40.6% (95% CI 30.7% to 51.1%) reported having had a chlamydia test at follow-up compared with 31.0% (95% CI 24.8% to 37.2%) in the control group (p=0.07). A per-protocol analysis found that those who engaged in email interaction were more likely to report chlamydia test uptake compared with those in the control group (52.5%, 95% CI 39.3 to 65.4% cf 31.0%, 95% CI 24.8% to 37.2%, p=0.002). There were no differences in secondary outcomes between groups.

Conclusions: This is the first randomised controlled trial undertaken in cyberspace to promote chlamydia testing. E-technology may be useful in promoting chlamydia testing and healthcare seeking behaviour in young people.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Chlamydia / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / diagnosis*
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / drug therapy
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / epidemiology
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult