IntroductionThe Cepheid GeneXpert® provides near-patient molecular detection of CT/NG, with results available in 90 minutes. Previous studies have illustrated the benefits to asymptomatic individuals and their partners in reducing time to treatment.MethodsA case-control study was undertaken to investigate the impact of introducing GeneXpert to a Level 3 symptomatic service. 100 patients diagnosed with CT+/-NG before and after introduction were identified. Time from attendance to treatment was measured. Using self-report over the previous three months and assuming that rate of new sexual partners remained the same and spaced equally in time, we modelled the number of partners spared exposure due to earlier treatment of CT/NG.ResultsCharacteristics of the study populations, and of the time to treatment and partners spared analyses are shown in the table:Abstract P101 Table 1Time to treatmentPre-implementation of GeneXpert (n=100)Post-implementation of GeneXpert (n=100)Male (%)4061Age (median [range])28.1 [15–69]30.6 [14–70]MSM/WSW (%)33/037/1Symptomatic (%)5028Time to treatment (days (mean) [SD])9.5 [13.23]3.3 [4.94]Sexual partners in preceding 3 months (mean [SD])2.1 [1.71]4.0 [10.48]Partners exposed in interval between test and treatment/100 index cases19.99.12The time from testing to treatment was reduced by 6.2 days. The number of partners exposed/100 index patients was 19.9 pre-GeneXpert and 9.12 post-GeneXpert.DiscussionUse of GeneXpert reduced time to treatment by 66%, and 54% fewer partners were exposed to CT/NG. This study supports the personal and public health benefits of innovative, near-patient molecular diagnostics coupled with effective recall mechanisms.
Background/introductionStudies show that use of dating apps amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. There is a paucity of research regarding the use of similar apps amongst the heterosexual population.Aim(s)/objectivesTo quantify heterosexual use of dating apps and explore the sexual practices of app users.MethodsAnonymised questionnaires were offered to heterosexual attendees of two GUM clinics, throughout August 2015. Respondents self-completed information relating to purpose and frequency of app use, number of sexual partners, recreational drug use (RDU), condomless sex and STI diagnoses.ResultsQuestionnaires were returned by 539 attendees: 70% (377) women, 30% (162) men. Median age was 21–30 years.Abstract O001 Table 1Use of mobile phone appsTotalMenWomenEver used dating app132 (24%)45/132 (34%)87/132 (66%)Frequency of app useMonthly34/132 (26%)14/45 (31%)20/87 (23%)Every few months16/132 (12%)7/45 (16%)9/87 (10%)Reason for app useSeeking long term relationship85 (64%)11 (24%)74 (85%)Seeking casual sex13 (10%)9 (20%)4 (5%)Sex with app partnerUnprotected52 (39%)25 (56%)27 (31%)Protected59 (45%)13 (29%)46 (53%)RDU with app partner13 (10%)12 (26%)1 (1%)Diagnosed with STI after meeting app partner6 (5%)2 (4%)4 (5%)Would request STI testing kit via app62%Would value sexual health information via app57%DiscussionA quarter of heterosexual GUM attendees frequent apps to find partners. This study identified high rates of STIs, condomless sex and RDU amongst app users, with rates mirroring those seen amongst MSM. Sexual health promotion and/or STI testing packages would be welcomed by most app users.ConclusionA quarter of heterosexual GUM attendees frequent apps to find partners. This study identified high rates of STIs, condomless sex and RDU amongst app users, with rates mirroring those seen amongst MSM. Sexual health promotion and/or STI testing packages would be welcomed by most app users.
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