title: Psychosocial determinants of the intention to use a chlamydia home self-test: awareness of risk behaviour and test accuracy are important elements of educational interventions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between psychosocial variables and the intention to use a chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) home self-test, to enable information to be tailored to the target population.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was carried out among an internet panel. A questionnaire was sent to a sample of 227 panelists in October 2006. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictive value of the psychosocial factors for the intention to test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 88% (n=200). Respondents with higher intentions to use a home self-test were younger, perceived themselves to be more susceptible to chlamydia, had more personal experience with chlamydia, felt a stronger moral obligation to do a test and had a higher level of response efficacy than those with lower intentions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides topics for educational interventions aimed at encouraging chlamydia testing in general, and at developing a more effective use of home self-test. Awareness of personal behaviour and information about the probability of false positive and false negative test results with home self-tests should be elements of these interventions.
authors.forename: Gaby
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ronda
authors.forename: Loes
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van Bokhoven
authors.forename: Trudy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: van der Weijden
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008219:Lymphogranuloma Venereum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires