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The study aimed to elicit perceptions of and awareness about chlamydia, views and experiences of condom use as protection against a chlamydia infection and of access to sexual health services. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured individual interviews. The sample consisted of 12 young females, aged between 18 and 25 years old. Transcripts were analysed using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) to identify recurrent themes and their interlinks. Six themes were identified: facts versus risk misjudgement; social stigma and taboos; assertiveness versus fear of conflict; respect versus patronising; accessibility and discreteness; and targeting young people. An awareness of the shame, embarrassment and social stigma associated with sexual health and specifically chlamydia testing and diagnosis were central in participants’ accounts. Participants also emphasised the need for effective sex education, especially for young women. It is envisaged that findings have the potential to inform health education, policy and clinical practice regarding sexually transmitted infections and chlamydia in particular.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted infection that, despite being largely asymptomatic, can have serious effects on women’s health, including inflammatory pelvic disease and even infertility. Despite recent increase in the rate of Chlamydia infection especially in young women, research in this area in the UK and Scotland in particular is rather limited. As a result our understanding of the views of this highrisk group regarding Chlamydia and measures to protect from infection (e.g. condom use) is very limited. This on-going pilot study will focus on the views and experiences of young women in Scotland regarding Chalmydia. Twelve semi-structured individual interviews will be conducted with female university students, addressing knowledge about Chlamydia, views about use condoms as protection against a Chlamydia infection and about access to sexual health services. It is envisaged that the findings will provide important information on this important health issue in a high - risk population group. It is anticipated that such issues will be examined in depth in the main study and that findings of the present research will inform future research and policy in this area.

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