Chlamyweb Study I: rationale, design and acceptability of an internet-based chlamydia testing intervention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Internet-based Chlamydia trachomatis home-sampling is increasingly common.
• The Chlamyweb Study in France evaluated an internet-facilitated home-based self-sampling intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe the Chlamyweb Intervention's design and rollout.
• Compare socio-behavioral profiles of intervention participants with the general population.
• Examine factors influencing acceptance and return of self-sampling kits.

Main Methods:

• Offered self-sampling kits to sexually active individuals aged 18-24 in mainland France.
• Compared participant characteristics with a nationally representative general population sample.
• Used multivariate conditional logistic regression to identify predictors of kit acceptance and use.

Main Results:

• 7215 individuals aged 18-24 were included.
• Chlamyweb recruited more women, younger individuals, and those with multiple partners compared to the general population.
• 46.7% accepted a kit, and 61.8% returned it; acceptance and return rates varied by gender, age, and socio-behavioral factors.

Conclusions:

• Free, easy-to-use self-sampling kits are a logistically feasible strategy for Chlamydia trachomatis testing in France.
• This approach successfully reached a large, diverse population, including those with limited access to traditional healthcare.
• The intervention demonstrated potential for expanding STI screening reach and accessibility.