Self-Collected Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A National Text Message Survey of Adolescents and Young Adults

Jayelin N Parker; Hiba Pediyakkal; Marika Waselewski; Tammy Chang; Okeoma Mmeje

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.10.028

Self-Collected Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A National Text Message Survey of Adolescents and Young Adults

J Adolesc Health. 2025 Jan 16:S1054-139X(24)00527-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.10.028. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Jayelin N Parker¹, Hiba Pediyakkal², Marika Waselewski³, Tammy Chang⁴, Okeoma Mmeje⁵

Affiliations

¹ University of Michigan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
² University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
³ Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
⁴ Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
⁵ University of Michigan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Electronic address: ommeje@med.umich.edu.

PMID: 39818656
DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.10.028

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to analyze adolescent and young adults' (AYAs) perspectives on using sexually transmitted infection (STI) self-collection kits to help guide the provision and implementation of accessible and confidential reproductive health-care services for those who experience the burden of STIs and STI-related morbidity.

Methods: We utilized MyVoice, a nationwide text message survey of AYAs, to pose 6 open-ended questions on their perceptions and use of STI self-collection kits. Two independent reviewers used inductive content analysis to develop a codebook and analyze responses, and a third settled any coding discrepancies through discussion to reach consensus. Code frequencies and demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results: We collected responses from 763 participants. Individuals who answered at least one question were included in the sample. Responses indicated that most (n = 695, 91.1%) participants would use free STI self-collection kits. Participants who would not use an STI self-collection kit (n = 45, 5.9%) cited concerns about test result accuracy and discomfort with specimen collection.

Discussion: Survey respondents were amenable to using free, STI self-collection kits; however, some were concerned about accuracy. There is an urgent need to prioritize and increase the accessibility of STI testing among youth. STI self-collection kits are an effective and accessible option that addresses barriers to reproductive health-care services-stigma, inconvenience, and lack of privacy. A social media campaign focusing on AYAs may increase knowledge and use of STI self-collection kits through dissemination of accurate information, stigma reduction, and provision of accessible resources that empower AYAs to prioritize their sexual health.

Keywords: Adolescents and young adults; STI self-collection; STI self-testing; Sexual health; Sexually transmitted infections (STI); Text message-based evaluation.