High rates of chlamydia found among 12- to 16-year-olds attending a rural sexual health clinic: implications for practice

Abstract

Background Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmissible infection (STI) and is asymptomatic in ∼80% of women. If untreated, potential consequences include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Methods: In 2014, a retrospective audit was undertaken at a rural service to determine what proportion of patients were aged 12-16 years, infected with chlamydia and their reasons for attending the clinic. Results: There were 111 patients aged 12-16 years attending during 2011-2014; 104 (95%) were female. One hundred and ninety-four chlamydia tests were conducted, with the proportion of patients having at least one test annually being 100% in 2011,..