Motivation and experiences of self-testers regarding tests for cardiovascular risk factors.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, self-tests have become increasingly available to the general public, though their value is still being debated. Because these tests are available, consumers should have access to clear information about self-testing. Examining experiences of self-testers could contribute to the development of consumer information.


OBJECTIVE
Detailed exploration of consumers' experiences with self-testing for cardiovascular risk factors.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews with 20 consumers who had performed a self-test for glucose, cholesterol or albuminuria. The main topics of the interviews were reasons for self-testing, performing the self-test, follow-up behaviour and perceived need for information on self-testing. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.


RESULTS
Regarding the reason for self-testing, three types of users were distinguished: those who engaged in self-testing when a test was offered, either with or without previous knowledge about the disease or risk factor, and those who had actively decided to test and had searched for a self-test themselves. Self-testers had generally experienced no problems performing the test or interpreting the result and had considerable confidence in the result. They were easily reassured by a normal result, while an abnormal result did not automatically mean they consulted a doctor. Most participants did not feel the need for more information.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-testers often perform tests for reassurance, without considering the disadvantages, such as the absence of professional counselling and the risk of false-positive or false-negative results. Consumer information should promote more informed and deliberate choices for self-testing.
PhD Student/General Practitioner trainee,PhD Student,Senior Researcher,Medical student,Professor of General Practice, Department of General Practice, CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the NetherlandsProfessor of Health Promotion, Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine, Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the NetherlandsProfessor of Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines, Department of General Practice, CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Martine H P
MH
Ickenroth
Janaica E J
JE
Grispen
Gaby
G
Ronda
Marloes
M
Tacken
Geert-Jan
GJ
Dinant
Nanne K
NK
de Vries
Trudy
T
van der Weijden
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000175:diagnosis; D001786:Blood Glucose; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009426:Netherlands; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002784:Cholesterol