Health Promotion Proposal - Coursework Example

They propose Nucleic acid amplification tests as preferred diagnostic tests performed on vaginal swabs or urine sample. They also recommend annual Chlamydia screening for all sexually active females under age 25. Department of Health: The New York State (2006) recommends the measures to prevent the spread of Chlamydia that include using a male or female condom, limiting number of sex partners and in case, one is exposed to infection he or she should avoid sexual contact and should visit the nearest a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic, or doctor.

It is advisable to bring sexual partner along with so that they can be examined for infection and if need be, given proper treatment. Chlamydia is a public health issue in Europe too because untreated Chlamydia may lead to poor reproductive outcomes in women. Chlamydia causes tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Chlamydia is harmful to new born and may cause pneumonia and eye infections. It also facilitates the transmission of HIV. The cost of fertility treatment is high leading to in-vitro fertilization and tubal surgery.

Controlling Chlamydia is challenging due to its asymptomatic nature; nevertheless, its prevention and control is possible through screening of target population and treatment (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, 2009). The National Chlamydia Screening Program run by the department of health in the UK proposes to increase the testing regimen coverage from 25 % to 35 %. The evidence suggests that this will drastically reduce the prevalence of Chlamydia cases. Some estimates suggest that the program's past work has already reduced the prevalence by about 20 percent (Department of Health UK, 2011).

Synthesis and Analysis Most literature across the globe agrees on certain aspects of Chlamydia infection. They all agree that its control is possible though concerted efforts are needed right from educating young adults on healthy sex activities; using male or female condom, especially when changing partners; and screening periodically the target population for infection. Screening is simple and can ascertain Chlamydia infection with reliability. Covering larger population for screening and treating them if found infected, can decrease the incidents of Chlamydia over time.

Treatment is cost effective and the infected person needs to take medications only for a week or so to get completely rid of Chlamydia. The Theoretical Framework for Chlamydia Control It is important to note that currently, no vaccine is available to prevent Chlamydia infection. It is caused by bacteria called C. trachomatis and the most critical part is that it remains asymptomatic for months to years and thus infected person can transmit the disease without knowledge of anyone. Alternative ways of control are therefore necessary to prevent transmission of infection and sequelae.

Screening for C. trachomatis in the target population becomes a necessary intervention to detect the infection. The theoretical framework for Chlamydia control thus lies within an ambit of widespread screening and subsequent treatment process through medications. Repeat Chlamydia infection may occur even after treatment process is over. Partner treatment, educating the patient and repeated testing become necessary