ERIC Number: EJ1364636
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
College Students' Comfort with and Intention to Use Self-Collection Services for STI Testing
Lindley, Lisa L.; Sharif, A'isha M.; Chowdhury, Tasnuva
Journal of American College Health, v70 n6 p1768-1777 2022
Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at unprecedented levels; yet most college students have never been tested. Offering asymptomatic individuals the option to collect their own samples for STI testing is an effective strategy to increase testing coverage. This study explores students' perceptions of self-collection services. Participants: Four hundred and thirty-four (434) students from a large public university completed an online survey in February 2018. Methods: The cross-sectional survey assessed students' human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/STI testing behaviors, comfort with self-collection procedures, and intention to use self-collection services if offered on campus. Results: Most students (88%) said they would use self-collection test kits they could take home, followed by self-collection in a private room at student health services (59%). Students were most comfortable with testing procedures involving less human interaction and collecting specimens themselves. Cost, accuracy, confidentiality of tests, and provision of clear "how to" instructions, topped students' concerns. Conclusion: Offering self-collection options may increase STI testing among asymptomatic college students.
Descriptors: College Students, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Student Attitudes, Intention, Screening Tests, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Costs, Accuracy, Confidentiality, Sexuality, Student Characteristics, Health Behavior, Health Services
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A