Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104063

hirohisa Imai, Health Science, Asahikawa Medical College, Midorigaoka 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan, +81-166-68-2400, hiroimai@asahikawa-med.ac.jp

Accurate epidemiological information is largely unavailable regarding asymptomatic chlamydial infection among general high school student populations. Previous surveys have analyzed data from potentially biased samples, not general student populations. Valid methods for screening high school students for chlamydial infection have yet to be developed. To describe prevalence, risk factors and screening methods for asymptomatic chlamydial infection among high school students, we implemented school-based cross-sectional surveys in non-medical settings between September 2003 and September 2004 in Japan. Participants comprised 5703 asymptomatic student volunteers 15-18-years-old (females; 2977 males; 2726). Polymerase chain reaction testing of urine specimens revealed prevalences of 13.1% for females and 6.7% for males. Inconsistent condom use and 6-month history of at least two sexual partners represented significant risk factors for both sexes. In conclusion, we describe reliable epidemiological information and screening methods to facilitate improved coverage among general student populations. High school students are usually reluctant to consult clinics to undergo screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and feel embarrassed about being questioned regarding sexual activity. Thus, we attempted to ensure absolute confidentiality of subjects. Prior to the present survey, audio computer-assisted self-interviewing survey technologies that permit respondents to answer questions in complete privacy. We attempted to utilize these advantages by allowing subjects in this study to answer questions about sexual behavior anonymously to use ID number substitutions for names to ensure perfect anonymity, and to access test results via computer terminals. The methods explored in this study offer the potential for practical and efficient screening programs in school settings.

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