Geographical differences in Chlamydia trachomatis testing in 15–29 year-olds in Tasmania: Findings from a statewide laboratory data linkage study

Clinical guidelines for testing for Chlamydia tra- chomatis (chlamydia) infection recommend annual screening of all sexually active people aged 15 to 29 years.¹ Lower chlamydia testing rates have been reported in areas in Australia with less access to ser- vices.² The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Remoteness Structure of the Australian Standard Geo- graphical Standard divides Australia into regions that share common characteristics of remoteness.³ Under the ABS structure, Tasmania has no major cities and its mainland population is classified as residing mostly in inner (65%) and outer (33%) regional areas with a small proportion (1.5%) residing in remote areas.³ Due to its small geographical size compared to other Australian states, it has been suggested that chlamydia testing rates in Tasmania are less influenced by geo- graphical location;⁴ however, this has not been previ- ously explored at a state-wide level. The aim of this study was to describe geographical differences in chlamydia testing in young people in regional and remote Tasmania to inform clinical practice.