Young Low-Risk Heterosexual Clients Prefer a Chlamydia Home Collection Test to a Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Visit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, A Cross-Sectional Study. Issue 11 (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Rooijen, Martijn S.; Koekenbier, Rik H.; Hendriks, Alfons; de Vries, Henry J.C.; van Leeuwen, Petra; van Veen, Maaike G.
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted diseases. Volume 43:Issue 11(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000517
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-5717

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Home-based self-collection of specimens for urogenital and anorectal chlamydia testing has been proven feasible and acceptable. We studied the efficiency of chlamydia home collection kits for young low-risk persons to optimize care at the Amsterdam sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. Methods: Low-risk heterosexual persons under 25 years submitting an appointment request online were offered 3 different ways of chlamydia testing: (1) receiving a home collection kit, (2) coming to the clinic without, or (3) with sexual health counseling. The collection kit was sent to the client by surface mail and was used to self-collect a vaginal swab or urine sample (men). This sample was sent back to the laboratory for testing and the results could be retrieved online. Testing for gonorrhea, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus was indicated after testing chlamydia-positive. Results: Between September 2012 until July 2013, from 1804 online requests, 1451 (80%) opted for the home collection kit, 321 (18%) preferred an appointment at the clinic without, and 32 (2%) with sexual health counseling. Of the requested home collection kits, 88% were returned. Chlamydia was diagnosed in 6.0% of the clients receiving a home collection kit, and none of the chlamydia-positive clients tested positive for other STI. Conclusions: Home collection is the preferred method for most young low-risk heterosexual clients who seek STI care. With a high compliance to collect and return the samples, home collection can be used as a tool to increase efficiency and dedicate STI clinic workers efforts to those at highest risk. Abstract : Young low-risk heterosexuals prefer home-based chlamydia testing above a sexually transmitted infection clinic visit. The compliance to collect and return samples is high, and the chlamydia positivity is relatively low.