Suboptimal Treatment Adherence for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Identified in Primary Care

A recent study published in the Annals of Family Medicine highlights concerning trends in the adherence to treatment guidelines for chlamydia and gonorrhea within primary care settings. Researchers from Stanford University analyzed electronic health records from 2018 to 2022, focusing on patients diagnosed with these sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The findings revealed that only 75.3% of the 6,678 diagnosed chlamydia cases and 69.6% of the 2,206 diagnosed gonorrhea cases received treatment. Notably, treatment rates were higher among females, younger individuals aged 10 to 29 years, suburban residents, and those with both chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Despite the overall treatment rates, the study indicated a significant gap in the use of recommended antibiotics. For chlamydia, only 14.0% of cases were treated with doxycycline, while 38.7% of gonorrhea cases were treated with ceftriaxone, the antibiotics suggested by current clinical guidelines.

Moreover, the analysis showed disparities in treatment timelines based on patient demographics. Individuals aged 50 to 59 years and non-Hispanic Black patients experienced longer delays in receiving appropriate treatment for chlamydia compared to younger patients and their white counterparts.

Experts emphasize the critical need for timely intervention in managing STIs to prevent further spread. The study authors indicate that there is considerable potential for improving treatment rates across diverse patient groups, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations who may face barriers to accessing timely care.

This research underscores the importance of adherence to established clinical guidelines to ensure effective management of STIs and improve health outcomes in affected communities.