Genital Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection globally, with partner notification being a major challenge. This study combined partner notification and self-sampling to assess the C. trachomatis prevalence among sexual partners and assessed the association between partner positivity and age, symptoms and clinical department.
Conducted at Shaoxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from 18 October 2023 to 29 April 2025, the cross-sectional study involved notifying 1543 women diagnosed with C. trachomatis to return for treatment. The hospital provided self-sampling test kits, free testing and treatment services for their male partners. We analysed the links between partner positivity and the age, symptoms and clinical departments of the diagnosed women.
1191 women returned to the clinic and received treatment, and 599 urine kits were distributed, 504 were returned, yielding an 84.1% return rate (504/599). Among the returned specimens, 220 (43.9%, 220/501, with three specimens excluded due to incomplete data) tested positive for C. trachomatis. Women aged 16–25 with a C. trachomatis diagnosis had the highest partner positivity rate at 53.5% (83/155), which is 3.17 times higher than those aged 41 and older (OR=3.17, 95% CI 1.52 to 6.59). The 26–40 age group had the second-highest rate at 41.5% (125/301), nearly double that of the 41+ age group (OR=1.95, 95%CI 0.97 to 3.93). The symptomatic status and the recruitment clinics of women diagnosed with C. trachomatis did not significantly affect partner positivity rates.
The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was prevalent among partners of infected individuals, particularly those under 25 years of age, indicating a need for targeted interventions within this demographic.