12. YOUNG PEOPLE GET CLUED UP ABOUT CHLAMYDIA: AN INTERNET BASED RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Young people (16-25 years) are a target group for the prevention of Chlamydia trachomatis in the Australian national STI strategy. This study is a randomized controlled trial of an innovative internet-based intervention which aims to increase Chlamydia testing and treatment among at risk young people living in Australia. Study participation is via a website developed in consultation with young people and linked to an evaluated health promotion website. Young people in the intervention group receive personalised, confidential emails from a nurse or doctor while those in the control group receive automated emails. Follow up at 6 months will measure self-reported Chlamydia testing and other outcomes. By 5 June 2007, 359 young people of a target sample of 1000 were enrolled (83% female). Mean age is 20 years (range 16-25). Participants reside across all states and territories. Thirty percent of participants in the intervention group are in active email dialogue with the research nurse, e.g. “The research and...site was...really good,...it's kinda scared me into getting a test and just to get over the embarrassment... will the test be able to be part of just a normal appointment?” Zero participants in the control group have responded to the automated email. Baseline data and examples of the email interaction will be presented.