Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and associated risk factors in women inmates admitted to a youth offenders institute in the UK

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections in young women inmates aged 17-21 located on the Youth Offenders Institute of HMP Holloway. The study consisted of a questionnaire and a urine sample for analysis. A health advisor administered a questionnaire to establish sociodemographic profile, sexual history and illicit drug use. C. trachomatis was diagnosed using a nucleic acid amplification test. Overall, the prevalence of C. trachomatis was 13.2%. Drug use was common with 41.2% using crack cocaine and 17.3% using intravenous heroin. A majority (80.2%) reported not using condoms during the last sexual encounter and 62.6% had a history of a previous pregnancy. Over half (53.3%) had a previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and 74.7% had never been previously diagnosed with a STI. Sexual health programmes in prisons should include screening as well as education about STI risk reduction and drug prevention.