Characteristics associated with the adoption of consumer-based ­self-sampling methods for sexually transmitted infection screening

Abstract

Objective: To identify theory-based innovation characteristics associated with the adoption of consumer-based self-sampling methods for sexually transmitted infection screening. Participants: Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation, survey data from people assigned female at birth (AFAB) (n = 92) were analyzed. Methods: Forward regression models and a path analysis were used to predict adoption by characteristics, using maximum likelihood estimation. Measures included acceptability, comfort, addresses healthcare needs, willingness to adopt self-sampling methods, and innovation characteristics. Results: Predictors of willingness to adopt were no clinic visit (relative advantage), convenient pick-up (relative advantage), and low cost. Variables with direct effects on adoption included: addresses healthcare needs, comfort, acceptability, and no clinic visit. Conclusions: Relative advantage was a salient factor and prioritizing this construct in intervention development may facilitate adoption. Results can guide the development of an innovative, theory-based intervention that promotes adoption of self-sampling methods, ultimately improving STI screening rates.

Keywords:

• Chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• screening
• sexually transmitted infections
• young adults

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of the University of South Florida.

Ethics approval

Ethical approval was obtained from the University of South Florida IRB.

Data availability statement

Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data are not available.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded in part through the Doug Kirby Adolescent Sexual Health Research Grant from the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention at Indiana University. This study was also funded through University of South Florida, College of Public Health.