Improving Early Detection and Treatment of Chlamydia by Implementing a Routine Chlamydia Screening and Testing in Females Between the Ages of 18–24

Author

Isabelle VikumitsiFollow

Date of Award

Summer 2024

Document Type

DNP Executive Summary

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Dr. Megan Moore

Preceptor

Dr. Tonya Jefferson

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia Trachomatis is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States. One in 20 sexually active females between the ages of 15 and 24 have chlamydia. Most people with the infection are asymptomatic and do not seek treatment. Chlamydial infections in women, especially if untreated, increase the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy, leading to higher medical costs.

Purpose: The project aimed to implement early screening for chlamydial infections in the young adult population to increase early detection of the disease.

Methods: A pre-post design was used for this project to compare chlamydia diagnosis rates pre- and post-intervention. All females between the ages of 18 and 24 who presented to the clinic completed the chlamydia screening questionnaire regardless of their presenting symptoms. The questionnaire determined eligibility for chlamydia testing.

Results: Screening rates increased from 61.5% before implementation to 89.1% after implementation. The rate of early detection of chlamydia increased from 0% to 19.4%.

Conclusion: An increase in screening rates can help prevent the spread of the infection to sexual partners and reduce the risk of complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

Recommended Citation

Vikumitsi, Isabelle, "Improving Early Detection and Treatment of Chlamydia by Implementing a Routine Chlamydia Screening and Testing in Females Between the Ages of 18–24" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 125.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/125