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REVIEW

Chlamydia screening in community pharmacies: a systematic literature review of the characteristics of service users and a meta-analysis of chlamydia prevalence

Mufiza Zia Kapadia
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, EH8 9AG, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Email: mufiza.farid@gmail.com

Sexual Health 10(1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH11191
Submitted: 4 January 2012  Accepted: 1 June 2012   Published: 21 December 2012

Abstract

A systematic review was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) infection among those screened in community pharmacies. The uptake of screening and clients’ sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics were also reviewed. Eleven papers contributed to the final review. The proportional meta-analysis showed a chlamydia positivity of 8.1% (95% confidence interval: 7.3%–8.9%). Chlamydia screening programs in community pharmacies tended to be targeted at certain client groups such as those seeking emergency contraception in pharmacies. The pharmacists were reluctant to offer chlamydia screening to potential clients. The uptake of the service was much lower, and tended not to include men and ethnic minorities.

Additional keywords: sexually transmissible infection.


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