Home > Review Articles > Access to chlamydia testing needed for high-risk groups: patterns of testing and detection in an urban area of New Zealand

Access to chlamydia testing needed for high-risk groups: patterns of testing and detection in an urban area of New Zealand

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 40
Authors:
  • Rose SB et al
Summary:

Rates of chlamydia testing and detection were analysed for an urban region of New Zealand from 1999 to 2005. Females were tested five times more often than males, but had lower rates of chlamydia diagnoses (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.42). Rates of chlamydia detection were significantly higher in Pacific people (OR 2.33; 95% CI 2.16 to 2.5) and Māori (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.87 to 2.17) than in Europeans. Individuals living in areas of greater socioeconomic deprivation also had higher rates of chlamydia (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.55 to 1.77). Chlamydia diagnoses were significantly higher in individuals under 25 years, with the highest positive diagnoses in the 15–19 year age group (OR 9.06; 95% CI 8.23 to 9.98). The authors concluded that appropriate chlamydia control programs are urgently needed in New Zealand, with testing targeted to higher-risk groups who appear to be currently underserved.

Comment:
Two studies highlighting issues in the management of STIs in New Zealand. A couple of interesting points made here. The first is that screening for STI during pregnancy is low for women managed by private LMCs; this requires further investigation including perhaps qualitative research with LMCs and primary care providers (often the first point of contact for pregnancy). The second is that women are much more likely to be tested than males. As the authors state, more women may present with symptoms of STI and the important thing is that partners are treated/ followed up. However programs that improve testing/management for young men are also required.
Reference: ANZ J Public Health 2012;36(4):343-350
Abstract
Download Article
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.