Self-sampling for oropharyngeal and rectal specimens to screen for sexually transmitted infections: acceptability among men who have sex with men
Wayal , S., Llewellyn , C., Smith , H., Hankins , M., Phillips , A., Richardson , D., Fisher , M. and Home Sampling Kit Project Steering Group (2009) Self-sampling for oropharyngeal and rectal specimens to screen for sexually transmitted infections: acceptability among men who have sex with men. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 85, (1), 60-64. (doi:10.1136/sti.2008.032193 ). (PMID:18708480).
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Description/Abstract
Objectives: To explore the feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling for oropharyngeal and rectal specimens to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Participant’s willingness to self-sample at home was also explored.
Methods: Participants of a study to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of self versus nurse taken oropharyngeal and rectal specimens were surveyed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling using specimen collection methods (gargle, OraSure mouth pad to collect oropharyngeal specimens and APTIMA unisex swabs to collect rectal and pharyngeal specimens). Acceptability was measured using a five-point Likert-type response scale (for example, 1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). Open-ended questions explored participants’ experiences of self-sampling.
Results: Of 334 eligible MSM, 301 (90%) participated in the study. Altogether, 301 participants self-sampled using gargle and rectal and pharyngeal swabs and 288 using mouth pad. Complete questionnaire data from 274 participants showed that feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling using gargle and mouth pad was higher (92%) than pharyngeal swabs (76%). Rectal swabs were acceptable to 82% participants. Despite some discomfort and difficulty in using swabs, 76% were willing to use all four methods for self-sampling in the future. Home sampling was acceptable (84%) as it was perceived to be less intrusive and more convenient than a clinic visit and likely to reduce genitourinary medicine (GUM) waiting time.
Conclusions: Self-sampling for rectal and oropharyngeal specimens is feasible and acceptable to MSM. Self-sampling can be offered as an alternative to clinic-based testing and has the potential to improve choice, access and uptake of screening for STIs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| ISSNs: | 1368-4973 (print) |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics |
| Divisions: | University Structure - Pre August 2011 > School of Health Sciences |
| Item ID: | 187343 |
| Date Deposited: | 17 May 2011 09:03 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Jul 2012 03:13 |
| Contributors: | Wayal , S. (Author) Llewellyn , C. (Author) Smith , H. (Author) Hankins , M. (Author) Phillips , A. (Author) Richardson , D. (Author) Fisher , M. (Author) |
| Date: | 15 August 2009 |
| Status: | Published |
| URI: | http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/187343 |
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