Recorded presentation

Kellie Flood-Shaffer, MD¹, Amy Johnson-Rubio², Eric Benson³, Elena Rodriguez³, Naoma Bradshaw, RN¹, Kathy Porter, MD¹, and Samuel Prien, PhD¹. (1) Ob/Gyn, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, 806.743.4257, samuel.prien@ttuhsc.edu, (2) March of Dimes, 5219 City Bank Parkway, suite #10, Lubbock, TX 79407, (3) Texas State Health Dept, 1109 Kemper Ave, Lubbock, TX 79403

Statistically, the West Texas region has one of the highest Chlamydia infection rates in the nation. With the multiple health risks to the mother and her child, any intervention that decreases the region’s Chlamydia rate would have a positive effect on the reproductive health of the entire population. The goals of our study are to: 1) confirm the infection rates, 2) educate about the risks of Chlamydia, 3) determine if earlier treatment reduces the rates of pre-term deliveries and, 4) determine if an “outreach” service increases testing, reduces infection, and decreases long-term health problems associated with Chlamydia. Free urine Chlamydia testing was offered at a clinic providing free pregnancy screening. All patients found positive for Chlamydia were counseled and treated, and treatment arranged for their partners. Patients who were both pregnant and had Chlamydia were then followed for birth outcomes. To date, over 1100 patients have agreed to undergo the screening. The pregnancy rate in this population was 38% and the overall Chlamydia rate was 15% (16% in the pregnant population), confirming the high incidence of infection. Ninety-two percent of the infected women were treated and all completing the treatment regimen were cured. The infection and pregnancy outcome data are currently being compared to data from a similar population in the three years before the study was begun. We have been able to demonstrate that it is possible to effectively screen and treat women for Chlamydia at the same time they are being tested for pregnancy in an outreach setting.

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate how chlamydia testing can be taken to an at risk population
• Demonstrate how it is possible to educate the at risk population during testing and treatment
• Demonstrate how a number of public and private resources can be used for the purpose of dealing with an identified chlamydia/teen pregnancy problem

Keywords: STD Prevention, Maternal and Child Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: March of Dimes
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grants

Recorded presentation