Abstract: Characteristics of Users of the Internet who Submit Self-obtained Urogenital Samples through the Mail for Testing Sexually Transmitted Infections (2008 National STD Prevention Conference)

Tuesday, March 11, 2008: 3:15 PM

Northwest 2

Charlotte A. Gaydos, DrPH , Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Mathilda Barnes, BS , Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Bulbul Aumakhan, MD , Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Nicole Quinn, BS , Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Patricia Agreda, BS , Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Pamela Whittle, BS , Communical Diseses, Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD

Mary Terry Hogan, MPH , Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Audio File Slides Recorded presentation

Background:
The Internet has the potential to reach persons at risk for STIs and recruit them to mail self-obtained samples for testing. An Internet educational and screening recruitment website, www.iwantthekit.org, has been in use for women since 2004 and for men since 2006.

Objective:
To ascertain characteristics of women and men who use the Internet to request home sampling kits for STIs.

Method:
Participants requested free kits for home collection of urogenital samples via the Internet or calling a toll-free phone number. Self-obtained samples were collected and questionnaires were completed for demographics, perceptions of use, and sexual risk history. Samples were tested using nucleic acid amplification tests.

Result:
Of 1011 females: 54.3% reported a history of an STI; 58.2% reported multiple partners; 13.7% used condoms consistently; 89.8% preferred to collect own specimen; 92.3% rated collection easy/very easy; and, 89.3% stated they would use the Internet again. Of 113 men: 31.1% reported a history of an STI; 71.4% reported multiple partners; 17.5% used condoms consistently; 86.9% preferred to collect own specimen; a majority rated collection easy/very easy- 99% - urine and 89% - penile swab, and 87.7% would use the Internet again. More than a third of female (41.1%) and male (44.6%) users were high school educated and reported an annual income of $10,000-50,000 (females, 47.4%-62.0%; males, 50.0%-53.2%, depending on age < or > 21 yr). Most had insurance (females, 62.1%; males, 56.4%).

Conclusion:
Internet recruitment for home-sampling to detect STIs is feasible. High-risk sexual behavior was reported. User characteristics indicate this program may reach high-risk populations not accessing STD clinic services. Making self-obtained urogenital samples available via the Internet may provide new diagnostic options for control of STIs.

Implications:
Further research could identify how to better implement this type program into public health practice and into wider geographical areas.

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