TY - JOUR T1 - Facilitating chlamydia testing among young people: a randomised controlled trial in cyberspace JF - Sexually Transmitted Infections JO - Sex Transm Infect SP - 568 LP - 573 DO - 10.1136/sextrans-2011-050124 VL - 88 IS - 8 AU - Melissa Kang AU - Arlie Rochford AU - Rachel Skinner AU - Adrian Mindel AU - Marianne Webb AU - Jenny Peat AU - Tim Usherwood Y1 - 2012/12/01 UR - http://sti.bmj.com/content/88/8/568.abstract N2 - 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. ER -