CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS INFECTION AMONG HISPANIC WOMEN IN THE CALIFORNIA-MEXICO BORDER AREA, 1993 - ESTABLISHING SCREENING CRITERIA IN A PRIMARY-CARE SETTING

Background: Chlamydia prevalence and transmission patterns in California-Mexico border communities are unknown, and selective screening strategies for Hispanic populations have not been evaluated. Goal of this Study: To determine chlamydia prevalence among Hispanic women in the California-Mexico border area and establish screening criteria. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional prevalence survey of family planning/prenatal Hispanic clients (n = 2378) in San Diego and Imperial Counties, California, and Tijuana, Mexico. Results: Overall, chlamydia prevalence was 3.2% (3.3% in California; 2.1% in Mexico). Women born in Mexico or those who visited Mexico for at least 1 week in the recent past had a prevalence rate similar to women without those characteristics. Multivariate analysis showed that young age (less than 25 years old), unmarried status, or having clinical signs of a chlamydia syndrome (primarily cervicitis) or vaginosis independently predicted chlamydia infection. Applying minimum screening criteria recommended by the Centers for Disease Control would require screening less than half of the clients. However, only 69% of infections would be identified. Using survey-based criteria (less than 25 years old, unmarried, and clinical signs of a chlamydia syndrome) would require screening 64% of clients, but would identify 92% of those infected. Conclusion: Chlamydia prevalence among Hispanic women seeking reproductive healthcare was similar (<5%) on both sides of the California-Mexico border. Among Hispanic women, using easily obtained demographic data (age and marital status) and clinical signs (primarily cervicitis), an effective selective screening strategy can be implemented.