Rochford, Helena; Larsson, Leyla; Simms, Victoria; Mavodza, Constancia; Sigwadhi, Lovemore; Dauya, Ethel; Machiha, Anna; Mavhura, Mitchell; Bipiti, Tatenda; Mangena, Chido; +4 more... Bandason, Tsitsi; Ferrand, Rashida A; Francis, Suzanna C; Chikwari, Chido Dziva; (2023) Acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs for sexually transmitted infection testing among youth in a community-based setting in Zimbabwe. International journal of STD & AIDS, 34 (8). pp. 574-580. ISSN 0956-4624 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624231152804
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Youth are a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To increase access to STI testing, convenient approaches for sampling and testing are needed. We assessed the acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs (SCVS) for STI testing among young women (16-24 years) attending a community-based sexual and reproductive health service in Zimbabwe. METHODS: A SCVS was used for point-of-care testing for Trichomonas vaginalis and a urine sample for testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A questionnaire was administered to investigate the acceptability of SCVS versus self-collected urine samples. In-depth interviews (IDIs) explored the experience of SCVS and reasons for sample collection preference. Qualitative analysis was predominantly deductive. RESULTS: We recruited 129 women who took up STI testing (median age 20 years, IQR 18-22 years) and conducted 12 IDIs. Most participants reported that they understood the instructions (93.0%) and found SCVS easy (90.7%). Many participants felt relaxed (93.0%), in control (88.4%) and that they had enough privacy (90.7%). Pain or discomfort were reported by 16.3% and embarrassment by 15.5%. Among the 92 (71.3%) participants who provided both a SCVS and urine sample, 60.9% preferred SCVS. Sample collection method preferences were similar between 16-19 and 20-24year-olds. In IDIs, clear instructions, privacy, trust in the service and same-day results were perceived as important facilitators to taking up SCVS. Participants frequently described feeling relaxed and confident whilst taking a SCVS. Pain and discomfort were uncommon experiences. CONCLUSIONS: SCVS for STI testing are acceptable to young women and a feasible method of sample collection in community-based settings.
Item Type | Article |
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Faculty and Department |
Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health > Dept of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & International Health (2023-) Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases > Dept of Clinical Research |
Research Centre | Centre for Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH) |
PubMed ID | 36964640 |
Elements ID | 200599 |
Official URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/09564624231152804 |
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Licence: Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0
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