Prevalence and clinical correlates of chlamydia infection in youth who use drugs and alcohol: a good opportunity for early intervention

Abstract

Aims:

This study estimates the prevalence of chlamydia infection amongst teenage substance users aged 14–18years and investigates risk factors associated with a positive diagnosis of chlamydia infection.

Methods:

Data was collected from the medical files of adolescents who attended a statewide drug and alcohol treatment facility during a three-year period commencing June 2011.

Results:

The highest rate of chlamydia detection (18.0%) was found in the group with a reported history of abuse, a non-substance use psychiatric diagnosis, and individuals who did not complete year 10 education.

Conclusion:

Adolescents attending a detoxification facility are a suitable group for targeted chlamydia infection screening and early treatment.

Keywords

chlamydia STI drugs alcohol psychiatry

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