Are home sampling kits for sexually transmitted infections acceptable among men who have sex with men?
OBJECTIVE
There is an urgent need to increase opportunistic screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in community settings, particularly for those who are at increased risk including men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this qualitative study was to explore whether home sampling kits (HSK) for multiple bacterial STIs are potentially acceptable among MSM and to identify any concerns regarding their use. This study was developed as part of a formative evaluation of HSKs.


METHODS
Focus groups and one-to-one semi-structured interviews with MSM were conducted. Focus group participants (n = 20) were shown a variety of self-sampling materials and asked to discuss them. Individual interviewees (n = 24) had experience of the self-sampling techniques as part of a pilot clinical study. All data were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a framework analysis approach.


RESULTS
The concept of a HSK was generally viewed as positive, with many benefits identified relating to increased access to testing, enhanced personal comfort and empowerment. Concerns about the accuracy of the test, delays in receiving the results, the possible lack of support and potential negative impact on 'others' were raised.


CONCLUSIONS
The widespread acceptability of using HSKs for the diagnosis of STIs could have important public health impacts in terms of earlier diagnosis of asymptomatic infections and thus a decrease in the rate of onward transmission. In addition, HSKs could potentially optimize the use of genitourinary medicine services and facilitate patient choice.
Llewellyn
Carrie
C
Division of Public Health & Primary Care, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton. c.d.llewellyn@bsms.ac.uk
Pollard
Alex
A
Smith
Helen
H
Fisher
Martin
M
D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic