Reaching out to young people

Michelle Stamp, who is undertaking a Professional Doctorate in the School of Health, Community and Education Studies, came up with the idea of using a TV advert to alert young people to the importance of being screened for the common sexually transmitted infection Chlamydia.

The advert, which is currently on air, was first screened last October when it resulted in a tremendous upsurge in the number of screening kits being sent out.

Michelle, whose research is on young men’s sexual health decision-making, is also the Chlamydia Screening Programme Manager for Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

She said: “No other Chlamydia screening project in the country had used TV advertising before so I was keen to pilot this innovative project to encourage young people to come forward for screening. This advert encouraged young people to text for a free testing kit and the numbers of those with a positive diagnosis was fairly high, enabling us to treat a lot of young people who would, previously, have not known they had the infection.

“The results have been amazing. We have presented our findings at a national conference and now other parts of the country are interested in the project.’’

Michelle, 33, of Rydal Gardens in South Shields, added: “It’s particularly rewarding because Chlamydia, if left unchecked, can have some dire consequences, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. However, it can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.’’

The advert resulted in achieving its aims in reaching its target audience of young people aged between 20 and 24. When the advert was first screened last October and November, a total of 2,092 screenings were completed – a four-fold increase on the previous year.

Genital Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It is most common in young women aged between 16 and 24 and men aged 18 to 29.

Anyone interested in obtaining a free, confidential Chlamydia test should log on to www.checkyourbits.org or text their name and address to GREMLIN 80010.