diva creative - social marketing specialists
May 2009
MAJOR INCREASE IN NHS CHLAMYDIA SCREENING RATES IN TAMESIDE & GLOSSOP
In Tameside & Glossop, a series of roadshow events for the 'Spend a Penny Gain a Fiver' Chlamydia screening campaign, delivered by diva, saw 700 young people from across the Borough taking up screening opportunities. To encourage young men to get tested for Chlamydia, a 7 seater mega bike was used to transport them from the town centre of Ashton under Lyne to the local screening centre. The centre provided an informal atmosphere, which included popcorn, refreshments and the opportunity to speak with young peer educators. Throughout the day Tameside Radio broadcast live from the events reinforcing key campaign messages. Resulting saw 33% of tests being undertaken by young men who had been previously identified as a 'hard to reach' audience.
Tameside comparative screening figures for young males - October 2008 (month prior to our campaign starting) - Total of 242 tests were completed in T&G for the month - 11.98% were male
November 2008 (1st month of the 'Spend a Penny Gain a Fiver’ Campaign) - 412 tests completed - 33.98% were male
It costs the NHS an estimated £100 million a year to treat the long-term health implications of Chlamydia, which can include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility. It has been estimated that 10-20% of untreated infections result in PID. Chlamydia is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in the UK - one in 12 under 25s tested have Chlamydia, which frequently goes undetected, as there are often no symptoms.
Statistics taken from the National Chlamydia Screening Programme.