The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47721

Nkiruka Ohameje¹, Michael Eberhart, BS², Lenore Asbel, MD², and Martin Goldberg². (1) MCP Hahnemann School of Public Health, Broad and Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-685-6741, nuo22@drexel.edu, (2) STD Control Program, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 500 South Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19146

Background: Chlamydial and Gonorrheal infections constitute a major public health problem in the United States. Philadelphia STD morbidity data suggest that re-infections contribute significantly to the morbidity of chlamydia and gonorrhea in Philadelphia, particularly among young women.

Objectives: To determine the re-infection rates for chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as describe the deomgraphic and behavioral characteristics of women who become re-infected versus women who are not re-infected.

Methods: Women aged 12-29 years treated for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or both were recruited from an STD clinic and a Family Planning clinic to participate in a ten-minute interview and a follow-up test. Women with a confirmed infection at baseline were re-screened six months after initial treatment.

Results: Of 655 women followed, 63.5% (416/655) were re-tested. Of these women, 26.2% (109/416) were re-infected. Of those re-infected, approximately 70% had chlamydia, 17% had gonorrhea, and 13% had both infections. Univariate analyses show that young age at enrollment and no condom use at last sexual encounter with non-regular partner (p=.025) were associated with re-infection.

Conclusions: Younger women are more likely to be re-infected than are older women. Women who report no condom use at last sexual encounter with sexual partners other than their main partner are more likely to have a subsequent infection.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe high rates of re-infection among young women in Philadelphia.
• Describe behavioral factors associated with chlamydia and gonorrhea re-infection.
• Describe demographic factors associated with re-infection.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.