Sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted infections and attitudes to chlamydia testing among a unique national sample of young Australians: baseline data from a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundChlamydia infection is the most common notifiable sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia and mostly affects young people (15 – 25 years). This paper presents baseline data from a randomised controlled trial that aimed to increase chlamydia testing among sexually active young people. The objectives were to identify associations between sexual behaviour, substance use and STI history and explore attitudes to chlamydia testing.MethodsThis study was conducted in cyberspace. Study recruitment, allocation, delivery of interventions and baseline and follow up data collection all took place online. Participants were 16 – 25 years old and resided in Australia. Substance use correlates of sexual activity; predictors of history of STIs; barriers to and facilitators of chlamydia testing were analysed.ResultsOf 856 participants (79.1% female), 704 had experienced penetrative intercourse. Sexually active participants were more likely to smoke regularly or daily, to drink alcohol, or to have binge drunk or used marijuana or other illicit substances recently. Risk factors for having a history of any STI were 3 or more sexual partners ever, 6 or more partners in the past 12 months, condom non-use and being 20 years or older. Almost all sexually active participants said that they would have a chlamydia test if their doctor recommended it.ConclusionsSexually active young people are at risk of STIs and may engage in substance use risk behaviours. Where one health risk behaviour is identified, it is important to seek information about others. Chlamydia testing can be facilitated by doctors and nurses recommending it. Primary care providers have a useful role in chlamydia control.Trial RegistrationAustralian and New Zealand Trials Registry ACTRN12607000582459

Prevalence and Correlates of a Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

“…21,24,25 This concurs with our study, in particular the use of ecstasy and injecting drugs in the last 12 months were important factors associated with a self-reported STI diagnosis, as was a pattern of risky alcohol consumption. These data underscore the need for more comprehensive approaches to address drug and alcohol use among young Aboriginal people.…”

A study of Chlamydia trachomatis: sexual risk behaviour, infection and prevention in the Australian Defence Force

“…The C. trachomatis prevalence rates found in this study are lower than in other Australian studies with similar samples in terms of age and gender (Kang et al 2014). The protective factors noted above may account for some of this difference.…”

“…Additionally, Gunderson et al (2001) found young women in the US Navy were more likely to have an STI than older women. While not relating to military populations, Kang et al (2014) found in a study of Australian 15-25 year olds, that being over 20 was a risk factor within this narrow sample rather than comparing this age range to older age ranges.…”

“…However, Kang et al (2014) reported in a study involving 856 15-25 year olds that being 20 years or older was a risk factor for having a history of STIs. This is in contrast to the above findings however the age range of this study is narrow compared to the above studies.…”

“…Williams et al (2003) reported that there was a greater risk for those who had recent partner change (OR 4.6). Kang et al (2014) reported that a risk factor for having a history of any STI was three or more sexual partners ever or six or more in the past 12 months. Williams et al (2003) reported that those in their study from an inner city clinic who were under 25 were 5.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with C. trachomatis infection than those 25 and over.…”