Chlamydia Screening of Youth and Young Adults in Non-clinical Settings Throughout California

Abstract

Urine-based chlamydia tests enable screening in non-clinical settings. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of chlamydia infection among high-risk youth and young adults in non-clinical settings. County sexually transmitted disease (STD) programs implemented chlamydia screening projects in non-clinical settings using nucleic acid amplification tests. Demographic and access to care data were collected. Overall, 16,279 female and male youth were screened for chlamydia in 24 counties throughout California. The 158 screening venues included 32 educational, 32 correctional, and 94 community-based settings. Chlamydia infection rates varied significantly by gender, age, and venue type. Among females, the highest prevalence was found in jail settings (14.6%), juvenile detention (13.0%), and alternative schools (10.0%). Among males, the highest prevalence was found in jail (7.9%) and juvenile detention (5.8%). Venue types that serve populations with poor access to care and high rates of infection were identified. Screening projects in non-clinical settings identify high-risk youth in need of STD care, improve access to STD screening and education, and foster local collaborations.