Do the characteristics of sexual health centre clients predict chlamydia infection sufficiently strongly to allow selective screening?

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate chlamydia prevalence and risk factors for infection and to assess the performance of chlamydia-selective screening criteria among clients attending a large sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. METHODS: Computerised records for all attendances between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003 were analysed. Chlamydia prevalence and risk factors for infection were determined for all new clients. The sensitivity and specificity of risk factors for chlamydia were assessed. RESULTS: 2642 male and 2084 female new clients were tested for chlamydia with a prevalence of 7.3% (95% CI: 6.3%, 8.4%) among men and 3.9% (95% CI: 3.1%, 4.9%) among women. Screening heteros..