Knowledge of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection and its consequences in people attending a genitourinary medicine clinic

Objectives: To assess knowledge of Chlamydia trachomatis infections, with a comparison of knowledge of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. Methods: A cross sectional survey, by self completed questionnaire, of 200 subjects attending a genitourinary outpatient clinic. Results: The response rate was 82% (90 male and 73 female). 51% of men (60% of females) had heard of chlamydia. 65 (82%) were unaware of the potential consequences of infection. 66% were unaware that the disease could be asym ptomatic. Significantly more men (77%) than women (60%) had heard of gonorr hoea. Most participants (68%-82%) knew little of the possible consequences of this infection, and only 26% were aware that it could be asymptomatic. K nowledge was higher regarding fertility topics. There was no correlation be tween knowledge and either age or socioeconomic status. However, greater kn owledge was displayed by those who read health information leaflets always or often. For both men and women, the preferred source of health informatio n was the doctor. Other popular sources were health information leaflets, w omen's magazines, and television. Conclusions: Barely half the participants had heard of chlamydia and gonorr hoea. Further knowledge of either infection was very poor. These are seriou s implications for public health. The reasons for this are unclear and requ ire exploration before targeted health promotion. Doctors and the popular m edia are acceptable, and potentially effective, sources of information. Acq uisition of knowledge is important, bath to reduce sexual risk taking behav iour and its consequences, and to allow for informed consent for chlamydia screening programmes.