A Systematic Literature Review of Reviews on the Effectiveness of Chlamydia Screening

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection, causing significant morbidity and economic burden. Strategies like national screening programs or hometesting kits were introduced in some developed countries, yet their effectiveness remains controversial. This systematic review examined reviews of chlamydia screening interventions to assess their effectiveness and the elements that contribute to their success to guide public policy and future research. The review assessed English material published after year 2000 in PubMed, Cochrane Library, the British Nursing Index, Medical Database, and Sociological Abstract, in addition to World Health Organization Global Health Sector Strategies, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control guidelines, and PROSPERO. Systematic reviews that focused on chlamydia screening interventions were included. Using the socio-ecological model, we examined the levels of interventions that may affect the uptake of chlamydia screening. 19 systematic reviews were included. Self-collection in home-testing kits significantly increased screening among females 14-50 years of age. At the organizational level, using electronic health records and not creating additional costs facilitated testing. At the community level, outreach interventions in community/parent centers and homeless shelters reached high screening rates. At the policy level, interventions with educational and advisory elements could result in significant improvements in screening rates.