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A collaborative approach to management of chlamydial infection among teenagers seeking contraceptive care in a community setting.
  1. N J James,
  2. S Hughes,
  3. I Ahmed-Jushuf,
  4. R C Slack
  1. Division of Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School.

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVES: To develop and assess a coordinated model of care for effective management of genital chlamydial infection in young women, identified through a selective screening programme in a community based teenage health clinic. METHODS: Selective screening for genital Chlamydia trachomatis was undertaken among young women aged 13-19 years who were having a routine cervical smear test, being referred for termination of pregnancy, or who reported behavioural risk factors, for, and/or symptoms of, genital infection. Collaboration among family planning, genitourinary medicine (GUM), and public health staff was used to enhance management of infected individuals, with particular focus on partner notification. RESULTS: 94 young women had confirmed genital chlamydial infection, representing 11% of those tested. All index patients received appropriate antibiotic therapy and follow up; 93 (99%) of these were counselled by a health adviser, of whom 62 (66%) were able to provide sufficient details for partner notification, resulting in treatment of male partners associated with 51 (82%) of these young women. Younger age (< or = 16 years) was significantly associated with delay in attending for treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Effective management of genital chlamydial infection is achievable in settings outside GUM clinics using a collaborative approach which incorporates cross referencing between community based services and GUM clinics.

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