MEDIA RELEASE 	Media embargo – 9 April 2010

Increasing STI trends among young people (175 words)
Chlamydial notifications in Tasmania have tripled between 2001 and 2007. 
Females accounted for 67% of all notifications and 80% of female cases were aged between 15 and 24 years. 
These were the findings of a study published in the April issue of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 
Nicola Stephens and her colleagues in Tasmania investigated trends of Chlamydia trachomatis among groups analysed by sex, place, indigenous status, sexual exposure, reason for testing and health care provider. 
They found that the notification rate has risen steeply over the seven years, in both urban and rural areas, with higher rates in urban areas. 
“The predominance of females can be interpreted in a number of ways, including greater utilisation of health care by females, and targeted and opportunistic testing,” Ms Stephens said. 
“As Chlamydia is equally transmitted in males and females, our data suggest significant under-testing in males. 
“Our results also highlight the increasing rates in young people, and the need for targeting safer sex interventions for the susceptible 15-24 year age group.” 
ENDS

For more information about this research, contact the research author: 
Nicola Stephens, Communicable Diseases Prevention Unit, Department of Health 
and Human Services, GPO Box 125, Hobart, Tasmania 7001. Mobile: 0400 911 312; 
e-mail: nicola.stephens@dhhs.tas.gov.au

MEDIA ONLY: To receive a PDF of the paper or for more information about ANZJPH, contact: Bridget Hooper ANZJPH Administration Ph: (03) 9329 3535 E-mail: bridget.hooper@substitution.com.au

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health is published by the Public Health Association of Australia. Information on the Association and the Journal can be found at http://www.phaa.net.au