College students’ comfort with and intention to use self-collection services for STI testing

Abstract

Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at unprecedented levels; yet most college students have never been tested. Offering asymptomatic individuals the option to collect their own samples for STI testing is an effective strategy to increase testing coverage. This study explores students' perceptions of self-collection services. Participants: Four hundred and thirty-four (434) students from a large public university completed an online survey in February 2018. Methods: The cross-sectional survey assessed students' human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/STI testing behaviors, comfort with self-collection procedures, and intention to use self-collection services if offered on campus. Results: Most students (88%) said they would use self-collection test kits they could take home, followed by self-collection in a private room at student health services (59%). Students were most comfortable with testing procedures involving less human interaction and collecting specimens themselves. Cost, accuracy, confidentiality of tests, and provision of clear "how to" instructions, topped students' concerns. Conclusion: Offering self-collection options may increase STI testing among asymptomatic college students.

Factors associated with sexually transmitted infection/HIV diagnosis among a predominantly university population in Brazil

“…Although university communities are not formally considered as a key population for HIV infection, this population tends to engage in behaviors that put them at risk of STIs such as alcohol use, illicit drugs use, permissive attitudes toward casual sex, history of STI diagnosis, poor STI knowledge, and low STI and HIV testing rates. 16–22 The importance of identifying university population as a STI at risk group was illustrated by a 2003 outbreak of HIV infection in North Carolina, USA. 23…”

Attitudes and Preferences Regarding Non–Clinic-Based Self-Collection for Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Among Clinic Attendees in British Columbia, Canada

“…Studies have found that fear of getting hurt during sampling or not collecting the sample correctly, as well as concerns about cost, accuracy, and confidentiality, can reduce willingness to self-collect. 25,26,33 However, one study found that acceptability of self-collection increases over time, suggesting increased acceptability with additional information and education around self-collection. 18 It is also important to assess attitudes and acceptance of self-care methods among those who would not otherwise seek care, to see if these methods would facilitate the testing and treatment of STIs that would otherwise go undetected.…”

Protocol for the Mason: Health Starts Here prospective cohort study of young adult college students

“…Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highest among those in the traditional undergraduate students’ age range [ 19 ]. US samples of undergraduate students highlight inconsistent condom or other protective barrier use during sex [ 17 ], along with low rates of testing for STIs [ 20 ]. US undergraduates, particularly females, report very high rates of dating and intimate partner violence [ 21 ].…”