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Journal of Public Health Advance Access originally published online on July 23, 2008
Journal of Public Health 2008 30(4):466-471; doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdn060
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© The Author 2008, Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved

Opportunistic screening for Chlamydia: a pilot study into male perspectives on provision of Chlamydia screening in a UK university



Rishika Chaudhary, Medical Student1

Catherine M. Heffernan, Specialist Trainee in Public Health and Hon. Lecturer in Public Health2

Amy L. Illsley, Medical Student1

Laura K. Jarvie, Medical Student1

Catherine Lattimer, Medical Student1

Anana E. Nwuba, Medical Student1

Edward W. Platford, Medical Student1
1 University of Leeds Medical School, UK
2 Institute of Health Sciences and Public Health Research, University of Leeds, Room 8E57, Floor 8, Quarry House, Leeds LS2 7UE, UK

Address correspondence to: Catherine Heffernan, E-mail: hefferc{at}yahoo.com or catherine.heffernan{at}leeds.ac.uk


  Abstract

Background Since 2003, the University of Leeds has been a pilot site for the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), which offers opportunistic screening to asymptomatic people under the age of 25. Uptake among men is low. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions and acceptability of the provision of Chlamydia screening in the University of Leeds among 18–25-year-old male students.

Methods Using a purposive sample of 15 male students aged between 19 and 24, two focus group sessions were conducted within university grounds.

Results Thematic analysis of the data revealed that male attitudes about Chlamydia screening were affected by: (1) lack of knowledge about Chlamydia and screening; (2) social embarrassment about Chlamydia; (3) reluctance to seek medical help; (4) perception that Chlamydia was a ‘woman's disease’ and (5) indifference about health promotion campaigns.

Conclusion To encourage the uptake of opportunistic screening of Chlamydia, men under 25 years should be made aware of their responsibility for their own sexual health. Emphasis can also be placed on the non-invasiveness, ease and privacy of the test.

Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, opportunistic screening, university students, young men


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