Examining Sociodemographic Risk Factors for Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection: a Population-based Cohort Study

Abstract

Aim: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection in developed nations and is an important public health concern. We aimed to assess the factors associated with testing and positivity of C. trachomatis in a large population. Methods: A retrospective study of a large Canadian health region was undertaken using 2011 census and laboratory data. Demographic and socioeconomic data from the national household survey were linked to microbiologic data for C. trachomatis. Multivariable generalized estimating equation models were constructed to examine relative risk for C. trachomatis testing and positivity. Results: For testing and positivity, female sex and younger age groups were associated with increased risk. University education and South Asian ethnicity were associated with lower risk of positivity. Conclusion: Incorporating socio-demographic factors will be critical to the success of future sexually transmitted infection public health programs.

Keywords::

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• risk factors
• sexually transmitted infection
• socioeconomic factors

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Foundation Scheme (grant RN254781-333204) to C Naugler. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Foundation Scheme (grant RN254781-333204) to C Naugler. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.