Chlamydia: Reported Cases, Rates, and Screening in Midwest States

Background: Chlamydia, a serious, most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. It results in inflammation and infection that lead to pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy. National health objectives outline the urgent need to reduce the prevalence of Chlamydia. The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) identified Chlamydia screening as one of the most important underutilized clinical preventive services.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of Chlamydia cases and rates, and to compare screening prevalence by region between 2004 and 2008.

Methods: Data attained from the Centers for Disease Control were analyzed. Data trends were compared for states in region V that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Results: In 2008, Illinois reported more cases and higher rates of Chlamydia than any of the states in region V. The rate of infection for Chlamydia in Illinois was 460.4/1,000, followed by Michigan (446.0/1,000), and Ohio (410.9/1,000), all of which were higher than the overall U.S. rate of 401.3/1,000. Women in IL, MI, and OH experienced higher rates of infection of Chlamydia than women in other states of the region and nationally. Prior to 2008, states in region V reported screening less than 45% of eligible females 16-25 years of age.

Discussion/Implications: IL reported higher rates yet lower screening for Chlamydia in 2004, 2006, and 2008 compared to other states in region V. Chlamydia screening can be increased to prevent potentially harmful health outcomes. Healthcare professionals can use Chlamydia screening as a primary prevention strategy. Health educators can develop tailored interventions to increase Chlamydia screening among healthcare professionals, and to reduce the incidence of Chlamydia among those at risk.