Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis: barriers for homeless young people

• Published in: Australian journal of advanced nursing Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 8 - 13
• Main Authors: Henning, Dorothy, Alice, Ryan, Sanci, Lena, Dunning, Trisha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation 01.03.2007; Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; Chlamydia infections; Chlamydia Infections - diagnosis; Chlamydia trachomatis; Chlamydia trachomatis - isolation & purification; Content analysis; Diagnosis; Female; Health literacy; Health Promotion; Homeless persons; Homeless Youth; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Medical screening; Nursing; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Psychology; Australia
• ISSN: 0813-0531; 1447-4328; 1447-4328

Objective: The study explored homeless young people's knowledge and attitudes of Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia) and its screening. Design: Semi-structured interviews using focus groups. Setting: An inner city clinic for homeless young people. Subjects: Homeless young people aged 16-26 years. Outcomes: Perceptions of Chlamydia and its screening. Results: 19 males and 6 females aged 16-26 years participated. Content analysis confirmed a lack of knowledge, prior education and misinformation about Chlamydia and barriers to being screened. Ideas for informing young people about Chlamydia included advertising on billboards, in free newspapers, and improved school sex education programs. Conclusions: Homeless young people have poor knowledge of Chlamydia and its screening and barriers to the screening process. Culturally-specific education and health promotion programs and services are needed. (author abstract)