DépistaFest: The evaluation of an inclusive, positive, and playful STBBI screening campaign's effectiveness

Young adults are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), and rates of STBBI screening in this population are persistently low. The present study examined the effectiveness of Club Sexu's social marketing campaign, DépistaFest, in increasing STBBI screening, screening intentions, and general STBBI and STBBI screening knowledge among young adults in Quebec, Canada. Grounded in the health belief model, the campaign provided practical and scientifically accurate information on STBBIs and screening using an inclusive, positive, and playful approach.

A sample of 686 participants (M = 28.0 years old) was recruited through Club Sexu's social media to complete an online survey assessing campaign exposure, recent STBBI screening, screening intentions, and general STBBI and screening knowledge. Logistic regressions and ANCOVAs were performed to examine group differences on outcome variables.

Compared to nonexposed participants, those who were exposed to the campaign were 2.11 times more likely to report having been tested in the past 6 months, and 2.07 times more likely to report planning to get tested in the next 6 months. Exposed participants were also more likely to correctly answer general STBBI knowledge questions and reported higher levels of self-perceived STBBI screening knowledge than nonexposed participants.

The findings support the effectiveness of an STBBI prevention campaign grounded in the health belief model. Future STBBI prevention campaigns aimed at young adults would benefit from destigmatizing STBBIs and normalizing STBBI screening using an inclusive, positive, and playful approach.