Acceptability of self-collecting oropharyngeal swabs for sexually transmissible infection testing among men and women
Date:
06/15/2019
Citation:
Dangerfield Ii DT, Farley JE, Holden J, Barnes M, Barnes P Jr, Jett-Goheen M, Gaydos C. Acceptability of self-collecting oropharyngeal swabs for sexually transmissible infection testing among men and women. Sex Health. 2019 Jun;16(3):296-298. doi: 10.1071/SH18209. PMID: 30898197; PMCID: PMC6755068.
Abstract
In 2016, the rate of USA gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases increased by 18.6% and 6.9% respectively. Most people infected are asymptomatic and are not treated immediately, which negatively affects sexually transmissible infection (STI)/HIV rates. Men and women were asked to provide self-collected oropharyngeal specimens for STI testing (n = 79). Over 75% reported the collection of the swab was 'easy' or 'very easy' to use; 90% were willing to test for STIs at home in the future. Self-collecting oropharyngeal swabs for STI testing is acceptable among men and women. Future research should test the effect of self-collecting pharyngeal swabs on STI testing behaviours and results.