7. THE CHLAMYDIA PROJECT IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE OF, AND TESTING RATES FOR CHLAMYDIA AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN A REMOTE ABORIGINAL SETTING

Abstract

The Kimberley region has some of the highest rates of Chlamydia infection in Australia. NCHS obtained funding to initiate and establish a Chlamydia Project aimed at increasing screening rates amongst indigenous youth aged 15 to 30 in the Fitzroy Valley. Population for the Valley is approximately 3000, predominately Aboriginal, covering more than 40 remote communities and the town of Fitzroy Crossing. The community has a strong belief in traditional values therefore observation of cultural protocols is paramount, especially when working in the area of sexual health. This can present challenges when setting up a sexual health program that is culturally appropriate, accepted and sustainable. The aim of the project is to encourage young people to attend for STI screening when they are asymptomatic. The project will also endeavour to increase awareness of Chlamydia and other sexual health issues relevant to the age group. Methods used, include setting up screening clinics in town and remote communities, involving young people in making decisions about how the clinics are run, holding Feel Good Nights that promote discussion and information sharing about sexual health, peer education and encouraging young people to participate in resource production. Anecdotally, results so far have shown a greater number of young people are accessing sexual health services and there is an increase in knowledge of Chlamydia and sexual health in general amongst the target population. This project will run until May 2008. This paper will present the progress of the project so far, and some of the highlights and challenges of setting up a sexual health program in a remote community setting.