Urogenital Chlamydiosis in Adolescents: Risk Factors and Knowledge regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

Objective − To investigate the characteristics and individual risk factors for chlamydia infection, as well as the knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of sexually active women under 18 years of age who have had intercourse without a condom at least once.Methods − Adolescent girls aged 14 to 17 when attending a gynecologist filled in the questionnaire about their reproductive data and knowledge regarding STIs; they also stated where they had been tested for chlamydia infection.Results − 101 patients were included in the study. Less effective methods of contraception were used by 73.2% of the study participants. None of the study participants could correctly identify all named STIs. 15 (14.9%) of the study participants were diagnosed with chlamydia infection.Conclusions − The study found that many sexually active women under 18 years of age in Latvia use less effective contraception methods and have limited knowledge regarding STIs. The number of sexual partners per lifetime was found to be a risk factor for chlamydia infection.