Chlamydia in Young Pregnant Women
ACCESS is a national network that will be able to assess the extent of clinical testing and diagnosis of Chlamydia in the key target groups affected by Chlamydia and the general population. Six separate clinical networks (sexual health clinics, family planning clinics, antenatal clinics, Aboriginal health services, general practices and diagnostic laboratories) have been established.
The ACCESS Antenatal Clinic Network plans to provide data on Chlamydia testing rates and prevalence among young pregnant women (16-24 years).
The importance of testing for Chlamydia in young pregnant women
The literature shows the prevalence of Chlamydia is greatest in women aged <25 years. Reported prevalence among young women attending antenatal clinics in Australia has ranged from 3.2% (women aged 16-25 years) to 27% (women aged <18 years). Untreated Chlamydia has been associated with a number of complications, including premature labour and birth, neonatal pneumonia and neonatal conjunctivitis. If it is detected, Chlamydia can be treated, preventing some of these complications. Many women who have Chlamydia don’t show any signs of it.
Collaborating Organisations
- Burnet Institute
- National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research
- National Serology Reference Laboratory
- Perinatal and Reproductive Epidemiology Research Unit
The Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service network component of ACCESS is endorsed by The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
Funding for the study is provided by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Chlamydia Targeted Grants Program.