Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the Swedish model for contact tracing and especially the “Västerbotten model” with centralised, extended contact interview periods, sometimes by telephone.

Methods: Using questionnaires, the contact tracing and interview procedure was evaluated during 2002, followed by an evaluation of contact interviewing by phone in 2005–6.

Results: Patients with diagnosed Chlamydia trachomatis infection reported on average 2.5 sexual contacts, 3.0 contacts when contact interviewing was performed at the clinic, and 2.3 contacts when performed by phone. 65% of the sexual contacts with a known test result were infected.

Conclusion: Centralised contact tracing, exploring the sexual history for at least 12 months back in time, shows good results. Combined with screening of certain risk groups it is probably one effective way of preventing C trachomatis infections. Preventing C trachomatis by primary prevention such as information and counselling is, however, still of great importance.