‘Catching chlamydia’: combining cash incentives and community pharmacy access for increased chlamydia screening, the view of young people
Rhian M. Parker A G , Allison Bell B , Marian J. Currie C , Louise S. Deeks C D , Gabrielle Cooper D , Sarah J. Martin C E , Rendry Del Rosario E , Jane S. Hocking F and Francis J. Bowden C EA Centre for Research and Action in Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
B Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia.
C Academic Unit of Internal Medicine, The Australian National University Medical School, Building 4, Level 2, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia.
D Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
E Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia.
F Centre for Women’s Health, Gender and Society, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Level 3/207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia.
G Corresponding author. Email: rhian.parker@canberra.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 21(1) 79-83 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY12135
Submitted: 16 October 2012 Accepted: 5 August 2013 Published: 18 October 2013
Abstract
In Australia and elsewhere, chlamydia screening rates for those aged between 16 and 30 years continue to be low. Innovative, age-appropriate approaches are necessary to increase chlamydia screening among this target group to prevent short- and long-term consequences of the infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Studies have demonstrated that offering chlamydia screening in community pharmacies may be a useful adjunct to current screening services. Approximately 90% of Australians visit a pharmacy at least once a year. Chlamydia screening and education in community pharmacies with remuneration may provide another option for opportunistic testing as part of a national chlamydia screening scheme. Compensation is an accepted practice in the field of research and has been demonstrated to improve adherence to health promotion activities. In 2011, a cross-sectional study of community pharmacy-based chlamydia screening offered in conjunction with an A$10 cash incentive to participate was conducted in the Australian Capital Territory. As part of this study young people were asked about their experience of, and views about, pharmacy-based chlamydia screening. The views of consented participants were collected using the one-page questionnaire consisting of 10 closed questions and one open-ended question. Participants completed the questionnaire when they returned their urine sample and before being given the cash incentive. Overall participants were highly satisfied with the pharmacy-based chlamydia screening service. Over 60% of questionnaire respondents felt that the payment did affect their decision to have the chlamydia test, and 23% stated that it made no difference. Young people reported that pharmacy-based screening is acceptable and convenient. Accessibility and the small cash incentive played significant roles in increasing participation.
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