@article{jpm2015324,
author={{Novak, Masuma and Dayal, Avneet and Novak, Daniel},
title={Health Care Service for the Upper Class? Equity in Utilization of an Internet-based <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> Infection Testing Service, Sweden: a Cross-Sectional Study},
journal={World Journal of Preventive Medicine},
volume={3},
number={2},
pages={40--43},
year={2015},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/jpm/3/2/4},
abstract={The utilization rate between social groups of a free Internet based <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> (<i>C. trachomatis</i>) testing service in Sweden is unknown. This study examined variations in use of this service according to the participants¡¯ age, gender, educational levels and their parents¡¯ educational levels. <b> </b>In 2004, Sweden introduced the first free Internet-based <i>C. trachomatis</i> testing service for both men and women of all ages. During three consecutive years (2005-2007), the questionnaire that accompanied the ordered test contained questions regarding participants¡¯ level of education and other socio-demographic information.  A total of 6025 participants completed the questionnaires and provided urine samples. The response rate was 77% (2256/2923) for men and 93% (3769/4055) for women. In both gender, about 46% tests were accessed by those with high education (¡İ 14 years) as compared to only 2% by those with low education (¡Ü 9 years) (p &lt;0.001). With one exception, a similar trend was seen when parental educational levels were used where 35% to 40% of the tests were taken by participants whose parents had a high level of education and 18% to 26% of the tests were taken by participants whose parents had a low level of education. No significant trend was seen in terms of proportion of men accessing the service according to their mothers¡¯ education. This study demonstrates an existence of inequality in utilization of an Internet-based <i>C. trachomatis</i> infection testing service as more men and women with a high level of education utilized this service than men and women with a low level of education. Future studies should aim to find a reason for this discrepancy which will help researchers and policy makers to find ways to promote the equal utilization of Internet-based health service between different socio-economic groups.},
doi={10.12691/jpm-3-2-4}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}