University undergraduates' knowledge of chlamydia screening services and chlamydia infection following the introduction of a National Chlamydia Screening Programme

OBJECTIVES: To determine knowledge of sexually transmitted chlamydia infection among university undergraduates following the introduction of a National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP). METHODS: Anonymous self-administered questionnaire on chlamydia knowledge and sexual behaviour provided to a convenience sample of 400 university undergraduates. RESULTS: There were 259 responses (65%) and 17% of respondents were aware of the NCSP. Female students had significantly higher mean knowledge scores than males (p <0.001), were more likely to be aware of the NCSP (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11-7.49) and to have ever attended chlamydia screening (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.33-6.66). Overall, higher mean knowledge scores did not translate into reduced risk taking sexual behaviour, and female respondents were significantly more likely to attend for a 'general check-up' if they 'had sex without a condom with a person of unknown sexual history' (p = 0.043). Popular sources of chlamydia-related information were friends and the media. The internet was not a major source of information. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness regarding the NCSP, chlamydia infection and screening is limited and perception of personal risk poor. New evidence-based strategies are required to address knowledge gaps and risk-taking behaviour among university students.