Abstract: The Feasibility and Acceptability of Self-Administered Collection for Screening of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among American Indian Youth (Society for Prevention Research 23rd Annual Meeting)

Schedule:

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Columbia A/B (Hyatt Regency Washington)

* noted as presenting author

Rachel Chambers, MPH, Research Associate, The Johns Hopkins University, United States, MD

Lauren Tingey, MPH, MSW, Research Associate, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Allison Barlow, PhD, Assistant Scientist, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Anne Rompalo, MD, Professor, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Anthony Parker, BS, Senior Research Program Coordinator, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Angelita Lee, BA, Senior Research Program Coordinator, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Charlotte Gaydos, DrPH, Professor, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Introduction: Compared with the general population, American Indian (AI) adolescents and young adults experience higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although current disease prevention recommendations include annual screening of all sexually active women <25 years old (and partners in some cases) for chlamydia and gonorrhea, data suggest STI screening coverage rates among sexually active AI adolescents is low. Numerous barriers to clinic-based screening among reservation communities exist. As STI testing and treatment can be effective in HIV prevention efforts, new innovative STI screening approaches are warranted. We adapted, implemented and assessed the feasibility of “I Want the Kit,” a home-based STI screening program for youth ages 18-19 in a rural reservation community.

Methods: The study was implemented through a partnership with a Southwestern tribal community and the local Indian Health Service Public Health Nursing (PHN) department and consisted of self-administered screening for three STIs and results disclosure 32 participants self-collected a urine sample in a private location. A local staff member shipped the sample to an off-site laboratory for testing. Participants were confidentially notified of test results by local program staff and treatment was provided when indicated by the PHN. Participants’ comfort, acceptance and likelihood of future use were collected immediately post screening and again at 3 months.

Results: 68 youth were approached for participation in the study, 30 declined (17 male, 13 female). Reasons for decline were uncomfortable, scared of results, scared of parent finding out, already tested and no reason. Of the 32 sexually active youth who were screened, 44% (n=14) tested positive for at least one STI (50% female), over 70% testing positive for chlamydia. The majority reported the test procedure was not difficult and all participants were comfortable with how they received test results. All youth stated they would use this screening method again and over two thirds (n=22) preferred this method over a clinic.

Conclusion: Through a unique tribal-academic partnership with the Indian Health Service PHN Department, we evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative method to identify and treat youth with STIs. Results suggest that self-administered STI testing may be an effective tool in increasing screening and treatment of STIs among American Indian youth. Therefore it may be an important strategy for health clinics to consider, especially those located in rural, close-knit communities where screening access is limited and privacy is a concern.

Abstract: The Feasibility and Acceptability of Self-Administered Collection for Screening of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among American Indian Youth (Society for Prevention Research 23rd Annual Meeting)

386 The Feasibility and Acceptability of Self-Administered Collection for Screening of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among American Indian Youth