BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyse trends for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a population of women seeking termination of pregnancy, and to assess whether socio-demographic characteristics are predictive of such infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 1983 women seeking abortion in the university hospital in Trondheim have been systematically tested for Chlamydia trachomatis. Data on 11,376 abortions (1985-2000) were included in the study and results were analysed with logistic regression. RESULTS: Age-adjusted prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis decreased from 9.0% to 5.0% in 1999-2000. The prevalence was highest among the youngest women. Single and cohabiting women had a higher prevalence of chlamydial infections than married women. INTERPRETATION: Women terminating their pregnancy are an excellent population for sentinel surveillance of Chlamydia trachomatis infection because of their young age, high proportion of singles, and relative inconsistent use of contraception. Even though the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis has decreased over the 16-year study period, it is still high for women seeking abortion, especially in the youngest age groups.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyse trends for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a population of women seeking termination of pregnancy, and to assess whether socio-demographic characteristics are predictive of such infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 1983 women seeking abortion in the university hospital in Trondheim have been systematically tested for Chlamydia trachomatis. Data on 11,376 abortions (1985-2000) were included in the study and results were analysed with logistic regression. RESULTS: Age-adjusted prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis decreased from 9.0% to 5.0% in 1999-2000. The prevalence was highest among the youngest women. Single and cohabiting women had a higher prevalence of chlamydial infections than married women. INTERPRETATION:Women terminating their pregnancy are an excellent population for sentinel surveillance of Chlamydia trachomatis infection because of their young age, high proportion of singles, and relative inconsistent use of contraception. Even though the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis has decreased over the 16-year study period, it is still high for women seeking abortion, especially in the youngest age groups.