Population-based study of chlamydial and gonococcal infections among women in Shenzhen, China: Implications for programme planning

PLoS One. 2018 May 1;13(5):e0196516. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196516. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

This study was aimed to estimate the prevalences of chlamydia (CT) and gonococcal (NG) infections and explore risk factors associated with the CT infection among women in Shenzhen, China. We collected socio-demographic and clinical data from women (aged 20-60) and determined positivity of CT or NG by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) with self-collected urine specimens. We estimated prevalence of CT and NG and determined risk factors associated with CT infection. Among 9,207 participants, 4.12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.71%-4.53%) tested positive for CT and 0.17% (95% CIs, 0.09%-0.25%) for NG. Factors significantly associated with CT infection included being an ethnic minority (ethnicity other than Han China) (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0), using methods other than condom for contraception (AOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8), having a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (AOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8), and experiencing reproductive tract symptoms in the past three months (AOR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7). we found that CT infection is prevalent among women in Shenzhen, China and associated with both demographic and behavioral factors. A comprehensive CT screening, surveillance and treatment programme targeting this population is warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • China / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / physiology
  • Female
  • Gonorrhea / epidemiology*
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / physiology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

Sanming Project in Medicine in Shenzhen (SZSM201611077) and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Initiative for Innovative Medicine (2016-I2M-3-021) supported the study. This study was a part of the comprehensive programme for control of chlamydial infections sponsored by the Nanshan Bureau of Health and Family Planning of Shenzhen. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.