The impact of a chlamydia education program on practice nurse's knowledge and attitudes in relation to chlamydia testing: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background We aimed to determine the impact of a chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) education program on the knowledge of and attitudes towards chlamydia testing of practice nurses (PNs).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at baseline and 6-12 months following recruitment with PNs in the Australian Chlamydia Control Effectiveness Pilot. Likert scales were analysed as continuous variables (scores), and t-tests were used to assess changes in mean scores between survey rounds and groups.

Results: Of the 72 PNs who completed both surveys, 42 received education. Epidemiology knowledge scores increased significantly between surveys in the education group (P<0.01), with change in knowledge being greater in the education group compared with the non-education group (P<0.01). Knowledge of recommended testing scenarios (P=0.01) and retesting following treatment (P<0.01) increased in the education group. Attitudes to testing scores improved over time in the education group (P=0.03), with PNs more likely to want increased involvement in chlamydia testing (P<0.01). Change in overall attitude scores towards testing between surveys was higher in the education group (P=0.05). Barriers to chlamydia testing scores also increased in the education group (P=0.03), with change in barriers greater in the education vs the non-education group (P=0.03).

Conclusion: The education program led to improved knowledge and attitudes to chlamydia, and could be made available to PNs working in general practice. Future analyses will determine if the education program plus other initiatives can increase testing rates.