Screening for chlamydia trachomatis: Barriers for homeless young people

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study explored homeless young people's knowledge and attitudes of Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia) and its screening. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews using focus groups. SETTING: An inner city clinic for homeless young people. SUBJECTS: Homeless young people aged 16 -26 years. OUTCOMES: Perceptions of Chlamydia and its screening. RESULTS: 19 males and 6 females aged 16-26 years participated. Content analysis confirmed a lack of knowledge, prior education and misinformation about Chlamydia and barriers to being screened. Ideas for informing young people about Chlamydia included advertising on billboards, in free newspapers, and improved school sex education programs. CONCLU..