Prevalence of Genital Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections in the General Population of Slovenia: Serious Gaps in Control

Among the objectives of the first national survey of sexual lifestyles, attitudes and health in Slovenia was estimating the prevalence of and risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Slovenians ages 18-49.

The researchers collected data in 1999-2001 from a probability sample of the general population using face-to-face interviews and anonymous, self-administered questionnaires. Participants were invited to provide a first void urine (FVU) specimen for polymerase chain reaction testing. The researchers compared the results to an equivalent British survey.

A total of 1,447 persons contributed FVU specimens (55.3 percent of eligible respondents). Chlamydia trachomatis infection was diagnosed in 3 percent of men and 1.6 percent of women. Prevalence of infection was highest in men and women ages 18-24 (4.1 percent for both). Participants reporting first heterosexual intercourse before age 16, unprotected sexual intercourse with at least one heterosexual partner during the preceding year, concurrent heterosexual relationships during the preceding year, and five or more lifetime heterosexual partners had a higher prevalence, although the association was statistically significant only for five or more lifetime partners.

According to the researchers, the relatively high prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection among those Slovenians ages 18-24 -- in the presence of relatively low-risk sexual behavior and low reported incidence rates of chlamydia infection -- suggest serious gaps in chlamydia diagnosis and treatment. These results, the authors concluded, provide support for the introduction of chlamydia screening in Slovenia.

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