International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Seminar Infection Diseases in Arctic

Research Objectives

Determine a more accurate prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections in a designated Inuit community and, evaluate the efficacy of using universal screening in decreasing prevalence and incidence of STIs.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey (Part A) was conducted among Inuit males and females (ages 15 - 65 years) in a Baffin community. Participants (n = 181; mean age = 29.6) were screened for chlamydia/gonorrhea and interviewed. The questionnaire, which followed the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behaviour, was used to collect information on demographics, use of health services, sexual histories, STI and contraceptive knowledge, high-risk behaviours, perceived risk and barriers of condom use. A random sample (n = 100) was selected from Part A for the longitudinal cohort. Individuals were followed every two months post baseline for four follow-up visits. At each visit, participants were screened for chlamydia/gonorrhea and questioned about their sexual/social networks and condom use. Networks were developed through 'snowball' sampling.

Results

Overall, 35 cases of chlamydia were detected, with 21 detected at baseline and 14 during follow-up. The combined cases gave an overall prevalence of 15.6% in comparison with 2.7% that was previously estimated. No gonorrhea was detected. The strongest predictors for STIs included: female gender (OR 2.45, CI: 0.55, 10.89), recent STI (OR 9.82, CI: 2.70, 35.77) and a history of greater than 2 previous STIs (OR 1. 47, 0.92, 2.30). Chlamydia prevalence decreased by at least 22%; post baseline screening and treatment intervention.

Major barriers to condom use included: embarrassed to purchase condoms, discussing condom use, and fear of giving a bad impression. There were no significant differences between males and females (p = 0.73) and between the age groups (p = 0.67) regarding condom use.

Conclusion

Consistent with the literature, the results support universal screening use in populations with greater than 10% chlamydia prevalence. Screening should especially target individuals with prior history of chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. Universal screening, prompt treatment and comprehensive contact tracing are strongly recommended for STI prevention in all Inuit communities.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

© 1996-2005, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk
Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)