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P414 Experiences of internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections: A qualitative study

Sexually transmitted infections, 2021-07, Vol.97 (Suppl 1), p.A167-A168 [Peer Reviewed Journal]

Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. ;2021 Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. ;ISSN: 1368-4973 ;EISSN: 1472-3263 ;DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-sti.439

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  • Title:
    P414 Experiences of internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections: A qualitative study
  • Author: Spence, T ; Griffiths, F ; Ross, J
  • Subjects: Internet
  • Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections, 2021-07, Vol.97 (Suppl 1), p.A167-A168
  • Description: IntroductionInternet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections allows individuals to order a self-sampling kit online and receive their results electronically, reducing the need to attend a clinic unless for treatment. Its usage has grown rapidly in many high-income countries such as England, where it now accounts for over 20% of chlamydia tests taken by young people. Existing research has found internet-based testing to be acceptable however uptake remains low among some high-incidence populations and there is limited data on the experiences of service users.MethodsParticipants were recruited via sexual health clinics and the website of an internet-based testing service. Purposive sampling was used to ensure a diversity of genders, sexualities and ethic backgrounds were included. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by phone, email and messenger services, and explored participants’ perceptions and experiences of both internet- and clinic-based testing. Data underwent thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 17 participants were interviewed. Internet-based testing appealed to many due to the privacy and convenience it offered over clinic-based testing. Although most were positive about their experience of internet-based testing, many found the process of finger-prick blood sampling extremely challenging and this contributed to concerns that test results may be inaccurate. A minority of participants also missed the opportunity clinic-based testing offered to discuss symptoms or concerns with staff. Participants overwhelmingly found the process of receiving test results by SMS acceptable and preferable to alternatives.ConclusionsInternet-based testing is viewed positively by most users but uptake may be improved if providers emphasise the privacy and convenience it offers, as well as the accuracy of self-sampling. Providers should also consider measures to address user concerns around blood sampling and the lack of specialist advice. Further research involving larger numbers of users, and focusing specifically on populations with low uptake of internet-based testing, would be worthwhile.
  • Publisher: London: BMJ Publishing Group LTD
  • Language: English
  • Identifier: ISSN: 1368-4973
    EISSN: 1472-3263
    DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-sti.439
  • Source: ProQuest Central
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