Correlates of readiness to receive Chlamydia screening among 2 populations of youths

Diane R. Blake, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Celeste A. Lemay, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Alka Indurkhya, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess young people's preferences for Chlamydia testing venues and methods, attitudes about testing, sex differences among these variables, and their predictive associations with young people's readiness for screening.

DESIGN: Survey.

SETTING: National Job Training site and Department of Youth Services site.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty male and 150 female youths from the National Job Training site and 150 male youths from the Department of Youth Services site.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Modifiable predictors of stage of readiness for Chlamydia screening.

RESULTS: Modifiable variables associated with increasing readiness for Chlamydia screening included the following: (1) among males in the Department of Youth Services group, perceived likelihood of ever having a Chlamydia infection; (2) among males from the National Job Training site, lack of condom use as a risk factor for Chlamydia infection and perception of untreated Chlamydia infection as dangerous; and (3) among females from the National Job Training site, belief that a partner could have a Chlamydia infection and fewer perceived social consequences of Chlamydia testing.

CONCLUSION: Interventions targeted at sex-specific modifiable variables may help reduce undiagnosed Chlamydia infection among sexually active youth.