Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence and sexual behaviour in Christchurch high school students

Abstract

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among young people in Year 12 and Year 13 in Christchurch secondary schools.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey on sexual behaviour was carried out in conjunction with the collection of urine samples, which were tested for C. trachomatis.

Results: 1582 young people were invited to take part in the study. 72% of these students answered the questionnaire of whom 49% had experienced sexual intercourse. The mean age of the sample was 16.7 years. The prevalence of C. trachomatis among the sexually active participants who provided a urine sample was 2.0% (1.8% of males and 2.3% of females). 39% of sexually active participants had had one partner in their lifetime and 13% had had more than five partners. 51% of males and 39% of females indicated that they always used condoms and 69% of males and 57% of females reported using a condom on the last occasion of sexual intercourse.

Conclusions: Our study shows that 2.0% of sexually active senior high school students have asymptomatic C. trachomatis infections. Opportunistic screening for C. trachomatis should be offered to all sexually active males and females at risk.