| Summary: | <p> An estimated 18-26% of adolescent females age 15-19 in the US diagnosed with <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> (CT) are re-infected within 3-12 months. Patient delivered expedited partner therapy (EPT) may reduce CT re-infection. A prospective, observational study was conducted to determine if adolescent females provide EPT to their partners, whether perceived self-efficacy correlated with success of EPT, and whether success of EPT was associated with decreased CT re-infection rates at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Adolescent females with CT at two urban school based health centers were invited to participate. There were 4 study visits over 6 months (baseline, 7-10 days, 3 months, and 6 months). Forty-six study participants enrolled and 30 (65%) accepted EPT. Forty-one completed the 7-10 day visit, 19 (46%) accepted and delivered EPT, 7 (17%) accepted but did not deliver EPT. Eleven (30%) tested positive for CT at 3 months and four (15%) tested positive at 6 months. No correlation existed between adolescent females’ perceived self-efficacy and CT reinfection at 3 and 6 months. Acceptance of EPT at enrollment was associated with reductions in CT re-infection at 3 months post-treatment (p = 0.04), but not at 6 months (p = 0.10). Delivery of EPT was not associated with reductions in CT re-infection at 3 or 6 months post-treatment (p = 0.08 and p = 0.44, respectively). More in-depth qualitative research with adolescents should explore barriers to EPT. Larger studies are needed to assess the impact of EPT acceptance and CT re-infection beyond 3 months as well as EPT delivery and CT re-infection.</p>
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