Poor uptake of self-sample collection kits for Chlamydia testing outside primary care

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sexual Health
• Diagnostic Testing

Background:

• Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection requiring effective screening strategies.
• Reaching at-risk youth populations for Chlamydia screening remains a challenge in primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel 'pass it on' social contact strategy for distributing Chlamydia self-sampling kits.
• To assess the feasibility of increasing Chlamydia screening among young people outside traditional healthcare environments.

Main Methods:

• A three-month trial was conducted in primary care, distributing self-sampling kits to young patients to pass to their social contacts.
• Kits included instructions and all necessary materials for self-administered Chlamydia testing.

Main Results:

• The 'pass it on' distribution method resulted in a low uptake, with only 3 out of 67 distributed kits (4.5%) returned for laboratory testing.
• The strategy failed to reach adequate numbers of at-risk youth for Chlamydia screening.

Conclusions:

• The piloted 'pass it on' kit distribution method was unsuccessful in reaching at-risk youth for Chlamydia testing beyond the primary care setting.
• Self-sampling for Chlamydia testing outside healthcare settings holds potential for improved access, but effective distribution methods for at-risk youth require further identification and promotion.