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This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing and positivity within an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service 2016-2021

Condy CANUTO 0000-0001-8460-9646, Jon Willis, Joseph Debattista, Judith Dean 0000-0002-2513-2013, James Ward

Abstract

Background: This study describes chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing, positivity, treatment, and retesting amongst individuals aged 15 and over attending an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) during the period 2016 to 2021. Method: Utilising routinely collected clinical data form the ATLAS program (a national sentinel surveillance network), a retrospective time series analysis was carried out. The study assessed testing rates, positivity, treatment efficacy, retesting, and trends over time within an urban ACCHS. Results: Testing rates for chlamydia and gonorrhoea varied between 10-30% over the study period, were higher among clients aged 15-29 years and among females. Positivity rates for both infections varied by age, with clients aged 15-24 having higher positivity than older clients. Gonorrhoea positivity rates decreased after 2016. Treatment and retesting practices also showed gender disparities, with males having a slightly higher treatment rate within 7 days, while females had significantly higher retesting rates within 2-4 months, indicating differences in follow-up care between genders. Conclusion: The study emphasises the need for clinical and public health interventions within urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations to further reduce chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Prioritising improved access to testing, timely treatment, and consistent retesting can significantly contribute to lowering STI prevalence and enhancing sexual health outcomes in these communities.

SH24053  Accepted 03 January 2025

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