title: Exploring access and attitudes to regular sexually transmitted infection screening: the views of young, multi-ethnic, inner-city, female students.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Low uptake of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing by young people is a major public health problem worldwide. The aims of this qualitative, community-based study were to explore access and attitudes to STI screening in high risk, young, ethnically diverse female students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted at an inner-London further education college with 17 women aged 16-25 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The women wanted convenient, regular STI testing and perceived this as responsible behaviour. However, they doubted the maturity of their peers who were unlikely to view themselves as candidates for testing, and feared the perceived stigma associated with testing. This was reflected in their preference for confidential testing. Despite attending their general practice for non-sexual health matters, most did not consider this option for STI testing. However, the long wait in specialist clinics was an important barrier. Many younger participants would not want postal STI sample kits sent to their homes. We found dissatisfaction with sexual health education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  STI screening for underserved groups such as young sexually active ethnically diverse female college students needs to be confidential, convenient, easily accessed and offered in ways that allow them to consider themselves as candidates for such screening without fear of social stigma. Family doctors should be aware that young women often do not perceive primary care to be an option for accessing STI screening, and could consider ways of advertising these services. Policymakers and commissioners should be aware that clinic waiting times and lack of education remain barriers to testing.
authors.affiliation: Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Normansell
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education, St. George's, University of London & Kingston University, London, UK.
authors.forename: Vari M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Drennan
authors.affiliation: Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Pippa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Oakeshott
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008131:London; D008403:Mass Screening; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D057545:Social Stigma; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: education; ethnic groups; qualitative research; sexually transmitted infection; women's health