In Western Australia (WA) rates of chlamydia have risen fourfold in the last decade. In June 2005 the Department of Health WA launched a mass media campaign aimed at people aged 15-25 years, encouraging them to seek chlamydia testing through their general practitioner (GP). Methods: Prior to the campaign a survey of GPs’ chlamydia-related knowledge and practices was conducted to produce baseline measures and to improve GPs’ awareness of this infection and the mass media campaign. All 2038 GPs in WA were surveyed, of whom 576 (29%) responded. Results: Marginally more female than male GPs completed the questionnaire, with 75% of respondents practising in urban areas. Around 50% of respondents offered contraceptive advice and Pap smears daily and diagnosed sexually transmissible infections monthly, suggesting that many had some interest in sexual health. Despite this, when asked about the likelihood of taking/updating a sexual history in 5 different clinical situations, many GPs were reticent to do so where the rationale was not immediately obvious to the patient. While GPs’ knowledge of symptoms, testing and treatment of chlamydia was generally good, contact tracing practices were variable, with less than 25% of GPs considering this to be always or mostly their responsibility. Although chlamydia is a notifiable infection, 15% of GPs would not always inform the Department of Health of a case of chlamydia. Of even more concern was the finding that while 76% of GPs were aware that chlamydia was commonly seen in the 20-24 year old age groups, less than half (45%) knew that chlamydia is also commonly seen in the 15-19 year old age groups. Conclusions: Results suggested that while GPs’ knowledge of chlamydia was reasonably good, opportunities for chlamydia risk assessment may have been overlooked. Recommendations arising from the study will be discussed.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: Department Of Health, Western Australia
Recorded April 2007, Sydney, Australia.
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