Men's attitudes towards chlamydia screening: a narrative review

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Balfe ◽  
Ruairi Brugha ◽  
Emer O'Connell ◽  
Deirdre Vaughan ◽  
Diarmuid O'Donovan
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Perceived Vulnerability ◽  
Screening Services ◽  
Urine Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Objectives Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) that affects significant numbers of men. Research on men’s perspectives on chlamydia screening (or testing) has been limited. We conducted a narrative review to examine: (1) what factors encourage or discourage men from attending health services for chlamydia screening, and/or from accepting screening once it has been offered to them, and (2) where men want chlamydia screening services to be located. Methods: A narrative review of the recent peer-reviewed literature (published between 1999 and 2009) on men’s attitudes towards chlamydia screening. To be included, articles had to explore men’s perspectives on screening (which could be ascertained through quantitative or qualitative studies, or from relevant discussion papers or reviews). Results: Forty-eight articles were included in all. Men’s attitudes towards chlamydia screening are influenced by their knowledge about the infection, their perceived vulnerability to the infection, the degree of embarrassment and shame that they associate with screening and the stigma that they associate with screening. Men prefer to be offered urine testing for chlamydia. Men want to be offered screening by non-judgemental professionals. Men’s attitudes towards screening for chlamydia in general practice, genito-urinary medicine clinics, home and outreach settings are also explored in this review. Conclusions: Several factors influence men’s attitudes towards screening. Two central themes underlie and influence many of these factors: men’s needs to make positive impressions on others, and men’s identification with particular ideals of masculinity. The review concludes with suggestions for future research on this topic.

Chlamydia screening interventions from community pharmacies: a systematic review

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajni Gudka ◽  
Folasade E. Afuwape ◽  
Bessie Wong ◽  
Xuan Li Yow ◽  
Claire Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Implementation Support ◽  
Uptake Rates ◽  
Health Related ◽  
And Training ◽  
Pharmacy Setting ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is the most commonly notified sexually transmissible infection in Australia. Increasing the number of people aged 16–25 years being tested for chlamydia has become a key objective. The strategy recommends that chlamydia screening sites should be easy to access. Community pharmacies are conveniently located and easily accessible. This review aimed to determine the different types of pharmacy-based chlamydia screening interventions, describe their uptake rates, and understand issues around the acceptability of and barriers to testing. Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published up to 30 October 2011 for studies that reported chlamydia screening interventions from community pharmacies, or had qualitative evidence on acceptability or barriers linked with interventions. Results: Of the 163 publications identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Nine reported chlamydia screening interventions in a pharmacy setting, whereas three focussed on perspectives on chlamydia screening. Pharmacists could offer a chlamydia test to consumers attending the pharmacy for a sexual health-related consultation, or consumers could request a chlamydia test as part of a population-based intervention. Participating consumers said pharmacies were accessible and convenient, and pharmacists were competent when offering a chlamydia test. Pharmacists reported selectively offering tests to women they thought would be most at risk, undermining the principles of opportunistic interventions. Conclusion: Chlamydia screening from community pharmacies is feasible, and can provide an accessible, convenient venue to get a test. Professional implementation support, alongside resources, education and training programs, and incentives may overcome the issue of pharmacists selectively offering the test.

Future chlamydia screening preferences of men attending a sexually transmissible infection clinic

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Roth ◽  
Barbara Van Der Pol ◽  
Brian Dodge ◽  
J. Dennis Fortenberry ◽  
Gregory Zimet
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Asymptomatic Men

Background Despite years of public health efforts, Chlamydia trachomatis remains a highly prevalent disease suggesting that current control strategies are not sufficient. Asymptomatic men with chlamydial infections are under-identified and probably play an important role in sustaining the epidemic. Novel methods of actively screening asymptomatic men are needed to reduce the prevalence of chlamydia. This formative study explored the features of a sexually transmissible infection (STI) control program that would encourage annual testing among men. Methods: Using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, we explored issues related to health seeking behaviours and preferences for STI screening among men recruited from a public health STI clinic. Results: All 29 participants acknowledged the expertise of clinic staff and most men preferred speaking with a provider over using electronic informational resources. The clinic was the preferred venue for future screening, followed by self-collected home sampling with clinic drop-off. Men expressed a preference for receiving results via the telephone rather than electronic options, and preferred personalised reminders for future STI screening. Conclusions: In this sample, there was high interest in utilising the expertise of STI clinic personnel and less in non-clinical options. While this may be due to recruiting from an STI clinic, the data serves as a reminder that service provision must be responsive to the needs of potential users. Our findings suggest that future non-clinic based screening strategies may require an initial educational component to address concerns about confidentiality and sample quality in order to be acceptable.

Unsupervised screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in backpacker hostels in Manly, Sydney

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Davies ◽  
Brooke Shepherd ◽  
Rebecca Wiig ◽  
Iain Kaan
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Sexual Partner ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Priority Group ◽  
A Priority ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Young international backpackers frequently have new sexual partners. We conducted a pilot project of unsupervised screening for chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) and gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) by self-collected specimens at two backpacker hostels in Manly, Sydney. The median age was 24 years for men and 23 years for women. A new sexual partner during travel was reported by 94%, of whom only 20% always using condoms. The prevalence of chlamydia was 11.9% (14.3% of 35 men and 10.2% of 49 women). No cases of gonorrhoea were detected. Half of the dispensed testing kits went missing or were tampered with, and there was spoilage of the receptacle bins, which persisted despite a redesign to a more secure and locked box. While populations such as young backpackers may be a priority group for sexually transmissible infection screening, we advise caution for projects contemplating an unsupervised model.

A theoretical discussion of the impact of stigma on psychological adjustment to having a sexually transmissible infection

Sexual Health ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle C. Newton ◽  
Marita P. McCabe
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Stigma Theory

This paper provides a discussion of the utility of stigma theory as a conceptual framework for the interpretation and analysis of the psychological impact of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Most particularly, it focuses on those viral infections that cannot be medically cured, such as genital herpes and genital human papilloma virus. Recent research in the area of STIs suggests that the stigma associated with these conditions can hinder psychosocial and sexual adjustment post-diagnosis, and provides support for the use of stigma theory as a conceptual framework with which to analyse these experiences. This paper defines the concept of stigma and presents a theoretical overview of the process of stigmatisation. Three dimensions of stigma relevant to the experience of having a STI are then presented: the degree of concealability of the condition including the social consequences of concealing a condition; the origin of the condition; and the degree of peril presented by the condition. An overview of the way in which the presence of a stigmatising condition such as a STI may affect a person’s feelings of self and his/her intimate relationships is then presented. Finally, the implications of stigma theory as a conceptual framework for guiding future research in the area of personal and interpersonal reactions to STIs is discussed.

Role of the general practitioner in testing for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection: an analysis of enhanced surveillance data

Sexual Health ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Shaw ◽  
Nicola Stephens ◽  
David Coleman ◽  
Maree O'Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Chlamydia Infection ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Clinical Activity

Background: To examine the relationship between genital chlamydia testing by healthcare providers and patient demographic characteristics in Tasmania, Australia, from 2001 to 2007. Methods: Analysis of enhanced surveillance data for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections notified to the Tasmanian Communicable Diseases Prevention Unit between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2007. Results: General practitioners identify most cases of genital chlamydia infection, irrespective of patient age, gender, indigenous status or urban status. Tests that are performed for screening purposes identify the largest number of cases in females, particularly in very young females. In males, tests performed due to the presence of clinical symptoms identify the majority of cases. However, tests performed for the purposes of contact tracing also identify a substantial burden of genital chlamydia infection, particularly in males. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the critical role the general practitioner has in the identification of genital chlamydia infection. Opportunistic screening for genital chlamydia, including in the context of contact tracing, is an essential clinical activity that results in the identification of substantial numbers of cases of infection. Policy makers and public health practitioners should support general practice screening initiatives and remove the barriers to genital chlamydia screening in general practice.

scholarly journals Exploring pharmacy and home-based sexually transmissible infection testing

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Habel ◽  
Roberta Scheinmann ◽  
Elizabeth Verdesoto ◽  
Charlotte Gaydos ◽  
Maggie Bertisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase I ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
College Graduates ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of pharmacy and home-based sexually transmissible infection (STI) screening as alternate testing venues among emergency contraception (EC) users. Methods: The study included two phases in February 2011–July 2012. In Phase I, customers purchasing EC from eight pharmacies in Manhattan received vouchers for free STI testing at onsite medical clinics. In Phase II, three Facebook ads targeted EC users to connect them with free home-based STI test kits ordered online. Participants completed a self-administered survey. Results: Only 38 participants enrolled in Phase I: 90% female, ≤29 years (74%), 45% White non-Hispanic and 75% college graduates; 71% were not tested for STIs in the past year and 68% reported a new partner in the past 3 months. None tested positive for STIs. In Phase II, ads led to >45000 click-throughs, 382 completed the survey and 290 requested kits; 28% were returned. Phase II participants were younger and less educated than Phase I participants; six tested positive for STIs. Challenges included recruitment, pharmacy staff participation, advertising with discretion and cost. Conclusions: This study found low uptake of pharmacy and home-based testing among EC users; however, STI testing in these settings is feasible and the acceptability findings indicate an appeal among younger women for testing in non-traditional settings. Collaborating with and training pharmacy and medical staff are key elements of service provision. Future research should explore how different permutations of expanding screening in non-traditional settings could improve testing uptake and detect additional STI cases.

Intravaginal practices among a cohort of rural Malawian women

Sexual Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allahna Esber ◽  
Abigail Norris Turner ◽  
Gladson Mopiwa ◽  
Alison H. Norris
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
Cotton Cloth ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Intravaginal Practices ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: Intravaginal practices (IVP) are highly prevalent and commonly performed in many countries for a variety of purposes related to genital health, hygiene and sexual pleasure. However, IVP may also have harmful side effects, including associations with bacterial vaginosis and HIV. Methods: The prevalence and motivations for IVP among 650 women participating in the baseline survey of a community-based cohort study on sexual and reproductive health in rural Lilongwe District, Malawi, were characterised. Key variables included the type and frequency of IVP, and motivations for engaging in IVP. Results: Most women (95%) had engaged in IVP in the past 30 days: 88% reported internal vaginal cleansing with water only, 87% reported cleansing with soap and water, and 84% reported inserting cotton, cloth or tissue. A majority (60%) reported at least three practices. Very frequent engagement in at least one type of IVP was also common; among those who inserted cotton, cloth or tissue, 43% did so more than once a day; among those who cleansed internally with soap and water, 51% did so more than once a day. Women reported many reasons for using IVP. The most commonly reported reasons were to remove odours (91%), to remove extra moisture (58%), to prevent disease (49%), to relieve symptoms of disease (41%) and to improve sex for a partner (40%). Conclusion: IVP are highly prevalent and frequently performed among these rural Malawian women. Future research should investigate the associations between IVP and sexually transmissible infection prevalence.

Analysis of females with Chlamydia trachomatis infections attending a sexually transmissible infection clinic in Singapore in 2010

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 470
Author(s):  
Lynette C. M. Low ◽  
Feng Ling G. Tan ◽  
Ellen Chan ◽  
Martin Chio ◽  
Roy Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Chlamydia Infection ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Population Demographics ◽  
Sexual Histories ◽  
Rising Incidence ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmissible infection (STI) in Singapore, with rising incidence. Method: Random sampling was performed on all chlamydia-positive samples collected from female patients who attended a women’s clinic from January 2010 to December 2010. Some 250 electronic medical records were analysed. Population demographics, sexual histories, symptoms, diagnostic methods and management were recorded. Results: One hundred and forty-two (56.8%) patients were under 25 years of age. The predominant race diagnosed with Chlamydia cervicitis were Chinese (116 cases, 46.4%) followed by 86 (34.4%) Malays and 20 (8%) Filipinos. Sixty-three (25.2%) were skilled workers and (47) 18.8% were students. Professionals and office workers together formed 68 (27.2%) of the patients. Some 248 (99.2%) patients were heterosexual and 2 (0.8%) patients were bisexual; 229 (91.6%) patients had regular partners, 18 (7.2%) had casual partners and 3 (1.2%) had both. Concurrency prevalence accounted for 49 cases (19.6%) and condom use was less common. Patients were generally asymptomatic, with 114 (45.5%) presenting with symptoms. One hundred and eight (43.2%) patients had 2–5 sexual partners in their lifetime. Patients with a termination made up 12% of our cohort. This episode of infection was the first diagnosis of an STI for 198 (79.2%) patients; 24 (9.6%) of patients had been previously diagnosed with chlamydia. Conclusion: Chlamydia infection was most prevalent in skilled workers and their regular partners with heterosexual practices under 25 years old. Most patients had 2–5 sexual partners and did not use condoms consistently or at all.

The application of virtual reality in health professions� digital education: a narrative review (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Tudor Car ◽  
Bhone Myint Kyaw ◽  
Josip Car
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Health Professions Education ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Educational Content ◽  
Potential Applications

BACKGROUND Digital technology called Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly employed in health professions’ education. Yet, based on the current evidence, its use is narrowed around a few most applications and disciplines. There is a lack of an overview that would capture the diversity of different VR applications in health professions’ education and inform its use and research. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aims to explore different potential applications of VR in health professions’ education. METHODS The narrative synthesis approach to literature review was used to analyse the existing evidence. RESULTS We outline the role of VR features such as immersion, interactivity and feedback and explain the role of VR devices. Based on the type and scope of educational content VR can represent space, individuals, objects, structures or their combination. Application of VR in medical education encompasses environmental, organ and micro level. Environmental VR focuses on training in relation to health professionals’ environment and human interactions. Organ VR educational content targets primarily human body anatomy; and micro VR microscopic structures at the level of cells, molecules and atoms. We examine how different VR features and health professional education areas match these three VR types. CONCLUSIONS We conclude by highlighting the gaps in the literature and providing suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals Duration of Bisphosphonate Drug Holidays in Osteoporosis Patients: A Narrative Review of the Evidence and Considerations for Decision-Making

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1140
Author(s):  
Kaleen N. Hayes ◽  
Elizabeth M. Winter ◽  
Suzanne M. Cadarette ◽  
Andrea M. Burden
Keyword(s):  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Femoral Fractures ◽  
Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw ◽  
Bisphosphonate Therapy ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Drug Holiday ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
First Line Therapy

Bisphosphonates are first-line therapy for osteoporosis, with alendronate, risedronate, and zoledronate as the main treatments used globally. After one year of therapy, bisphosphonates are retained in bone for extended periods with extended anti-fracture effects after discontinuation. Due to this continued fracture protection and the potential for rare adverse events associated with long-term use (atypical femoral fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw), a drug holiday of two to three years is recommended for most patients after long-term bisphosphonate therapy. The recommendation for a drug holiday up to three years is derived primarily from extensions of pivotal trials with alendronate and zoledronate and select surrogate marker studies. However, certain factors may modify the duration of bisphosphonate effects on a drug holiday and warrant consideration when determining an appropriate time off-therapy. In this narrative review, we recall what is currently known about drug holidays and discuss what we believe to be the primary considerations and areas for future research regarding drug holiday duration: total bisphosphonate exposure, type of bisphosphonate used, bone mineral density and falls risk, and patient sex and body weight.

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