Trends in Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Positivity in Australia
Author Information
Author(s): Lenka A Vodstrcil, Christopher K Fairley, Glenda Fehler, David Leslie, Jennifer Walker, Catriona S Bradshaw, Jane S Hocking
Primary Institution: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Vic, Australia
Hypothesis
Are chlamydia and gonorrhea positivity rates changing among heterosexual men and men who have sex with men in Australia?
Conclusion
Chlamydia prevalence is rising among heterosexual men, while chlamydia and gonorrhea prevalence among men who have sex with men is stable or declining.
Supporting Evidence
- Chlamydia positivity among heterosexual men increased from 5.80% in 2002 to 8.02% in 2009.
- Chlamydia positivity in men who have sex with men remained stable at 3.70% for urethral and 5.36% for anal.
- Gonorrhea positivity among men who have sex with men decreased from 3.44% in 2002 to 1.81% in 2009.
Takeaway
The study found that more heterosexual men are getting chlamydia, but the rates for men who have sex with men are not going up or are even going down.
Methodology
Analysis of computerized records from a sexual health clinic over seven years, using logistic regression to assess changes in positivity rates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and reliance on clinic data.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not represent the general population; it also did not measure all possible factors affecting positivity.
Participant Demographics
Men attending a sexual health clinic, including heterosexual men and men who have sex with men, with a median age of 29 for MSW and 31 for MSM.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 6.99-7.77 for MSW chlamydia positivity
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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