User characteristics and use patterns in the STI-X STI test vending pilot

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Rural Health

Background:

• Access to sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is limited in rural and regional Australian communities due to service accessibility and stigma.
• Vending machines offer a potential solution to improve STI testing accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot the implementation of STI test kit vending machines in rural and regional Australian communities.
• To assess the acceptability and utilisation of STI test kit vending machines.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month pilot study involving free STI test kit vending machines placed in seven rural/regional towns.
• Community engagement for optimal placement and marketing.
• Assessment of utilisation, return, positive diagnosis, and user satisfaction rates.

Main Results:

• 176 STI test kits were dispensed. Users aged over 30 were more likely to travel further for testing.
• 43.9% of users had never tested for STIs before. 12.5% of returned samples yielded a positive result.
• 94% of users found the process easy, and 95.6% found it fast.

Conclusions:

• STI test kit vending machines are an acceptable option for STI testing in rural and regional areas.
• Further research is required to improve sample return rates and ensure long-term sustainability.