Knowledge of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in family planning clinic attenders

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of awareness of genital Chlamydia infection and level of knowledge related to this infection in family planning (FP) clinic attenders. Clients attending FP clinics during a 3 month study period were invited to complete an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Five hundred and sixteen questionnaires from female attenders were analysed. Results showed that 54% of respondents had heard of Chlamydia. Subjective knowledge assessment for Chlamydia was low compared to that for other infections. Mean knowledge scores relating to genital chlamydial infection were low. There was no significant age-related trend in knowledge scores. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to increased Chlamydia screening activity in FP clinics.