Epidemiology of incident chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections and population attributable fractions associated with living in the inner-core of Winnipeg, Canada

Abstract

Population attributable fractions help to convey public health significance of differential disease risk for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Geographical residence serves as a useful proxy for complex processes creating ill health. Using population-based data, Poisson regression models were used to examine factors associated with chlamydia and gonorrhoea incidence. Population attributable fractions due to residency in the Winnipeg Health Region’s inner-core were determined for chlamydia/gonorrhoea infections among 15–59-year olds (2005–2013), stratified by age group. For both chlamydia and gonorrhoea, it was found that the 15–24-year old age group had the highest incidence rates. There was also a stronger association between residency in the inner-core and incidence for gonorrhoea, compared to chlamydia. Overall, 24% (95% CI: 12–34%) of chlamydia infections were attributable to residency in the inner-core, compared to 46% (95% CI: 35–54%) for gonorrhoea ( p < .05). Within chlamydia/gonorrhoea, no statistically significant differences in population attributable fraction were observed by age group. The conclusion was that a concentration of efforts towards inner-core residents with gonorrhoea infections may result in a relatively larger decrease in incidence.