Prevalence of and risk factors for Chlamydia in a rural pregnant population
Shaw, E.; Roberts, D.; Connor, P.D.
Journal of Family Practice 41(3): 257-260
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-3509 PMID: 7650505 Document Number: 445254
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial disease in the United States. Perinatal infection with C trachomatis has been associated with preterm labor, preterm rupture of membranes, stillbirth, and both conjunctivitis and pneumonia in newborns. Little is known about the prevalence of C trachomatis infection in rural pregnant women. We completed a retrospective chart analysis of 347 obstetric patients in a rural family practice residency training program to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and screening criteria for cervical C trachomatis infection. The prevalence of C trachomatis infection in our study was 9.0%. Factors predictive of a positive test for C trachomatis infection included single marital status, African-American race, history of sexually transmitted diseases, presence of gonorrhea during the current pregnancy, age less than 20 years, and late onset of prenatal care. The prevalence of C trachomatis in this rural obstetric population emphasizes the importance of laboratory screening of rural pregnant women for this disease.