Acceptability of digital vending machines to improve access to sexual and reproductive health in Brighton, UK: a qualitative analysis

BMJ Public Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2(1), P. e000598 - e000598

Published: May 1, 2024

Introduction Sexual health remains a public priority and relies on widely available testing to enable prompt diagnosis treatment. Technology-based approaches distribute tests have potential increase access We evaluated the acceptability of vending machines (VMs) HIV self-test (HIVST) sexually transmitted infection (STI) self-sample kits, from service user stakeholder perspective. Methods Six VMs were placed across Brighton Hove (UK) in publicly accessible locations. After use, individuals received text with an online questionnaire link. Participants completing invited semistructured interview. Stakeholders staff sites where VM was placed. Data analysis took place NVivo, using thematic approach. Results 12 users completed 42% within age 18–25 years equal male female identifying distributions. 33% heterosexual, 25% homosexual bisexual. high anonymity instant as main benefits. Some participants expressed concern that location may deter others it. found HIVST mouth swabs acceptable, although there over accuracy. welcomed being able comprehensive sexual screening through VM. Five stakeholders There recognition visible led positive conversations between staff. initial issues restocking machine hardwiring. Conclusions STI kits is acceptable stakeholders. The reported benefits are increased confidentiality, privacy immediate access. Further education referencing accuracy swab alleviate concerns. From perspective, pathway beneficial role community champions reduce stigma favourable.

Language: Английский

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Qualitative evaluation of digital vending machines to improve access to STI and HIV testing in South West England: using a Person-Based Approach

BMJ Open, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(6), P. e084786 - e084786

Published: June 1, 2024

Objectives To report the development, implementation, acceptability and feasibility of vending machines offering HIV sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing kits. Design A qualitative study using Person-Based Approach with patient public involvement workshops stakeholder interviews machine users, sexual health service (SHS) staff, venue staff local authority commissioners. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Setting Bristol, North Somerset South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). Participants 15 5 SHS 3 Intervention Four dispensing free self-testing STI self-sampling kits in publicly accessible venues across BNSSG introduced to increase access for groups at higher risk who are less likely clinic services (young people, people from black communities, gay, bisexual other men have sex men). Results Machine users reported was convenient, easy use accessible; however, concerns regarding privacy related placement within issues maintenance raised. Promotional material inclusive informative; awareness through promotional campaign limited. Vending acceptable once clear processes their management agreed SHS. identified challenges implementation limited whole team planning development. Conclusions The codeveloped acceptable, addressing some barriers testing. Resources protected time needed support greater providers venues. Adopting a similarly robust coproduction approach could avoid reported. assure repeated, targeted promotion encourage among target groups.

Language: Английский

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Increase inNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfections after ending COVID-19 lockdown measures in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Sexually Transmitted Infections, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. sextrans - 056276

Published: Dec. 6, 2024

Objective Various European countries noted increasing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) positivity among cis-gender women and heterosexual men. We assessed changes over time in Ng men who exclusively have sex with (MSM), (MSW), (MSMW), transgender gender diverse people (TGP). Methods analysed data collected between 2018 2023 at the Centre for Sexual Health, Amsterdam. modelled temporal rates (ie, number of positive results per 100 tests) using relative risk regression a covariate representing three periods: pre-COVID-19 (1 January 2018–12 March 2020), during COVID-19 (13 2020–1 2022), post-COVID-19 (2 2022–31 December 2023). Results included 110 878 consultations pre-COVID-19, 84 917 108 282 post-COVID-19. Positivity went from 12.4% to 13.0% MSM, 1.7% 2.3% MSW, 6.7% 9.9% MSMW, 1.3% 2.9% 8.1% 10.4% TGP post-COVID-19, respectively. Significant increases were observed MSW (relative (RR)=1.31,95% CI 1.12 1.53), MSMW (RR=1.47, 95% 1.26 1.72) (RR=2.25, 2.03 2.49). An increased sexual partners inconsistent condom use associated an risk. Conclusion A substantial increase women, but not MSM or TGP, was Changes behaviour these changes. Continuous surveillance individuals is needed monitor changes, alongside implementing prevention strategies sexually transmitted infections.

Language: Английский

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Direct-to-Consumer Testing: A Game-Changer for STI Control and Public Health? A Critical Review of Advances Since the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Venereology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(4), P. 232 - 245

Published: Dec. 21, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine healthcare services, including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). At the same time, it fostered optimism about potential of direct-to-consumer (DTC) self-testing solutions, fueled by remarkable progress in self-sampling practices, rapid technologies, adaptation regulatory frameworks. Direct-to-consumer STIs became then still a more critical alternative, offering privacy, accessibility, to address gaps, especially underserved, at-risk groups. This review critically analyzed literature published since onset pandemic. DTC has evolved significantly pandemic, with notable advances technology, availability, disease geographical coverage. It increased STI uptake among underserved or hesitant populations, men who have sex young adults. However, issues around cost, data reporting, follow-up care persist, many groups lack access. While these solutions improved public health outcomes, anticipated widespread adoption been slower than expected. Limited market options, weak research, challenges hindered growth. Research often focused on user acceptance rather real-world usage. Future directions should leverage trendy approaches medical ethnography transformational marketing emphasize user- data-driven innovation, affordability, support based private provider accountability.

Language: Английский

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Application of the COM-B model to facilitators and barriers to HIV and STI testing among people from Black African and Black Caribbean communities in the UK: a scoping review

Sexually Transmitted Infections, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. sextrans - 056259

Published: Dec. 31, 2024

Individuals from Black African and Caribbean communities (black communities) in the UK bear a disproportionate burden of HIV sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while exhibiting lower testing rates. The aim scoping review was to summarise interventions developed increase HIV/STI among black describe facilitators barriers that influence uptake these populations, according Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) approach.

Language: Английский

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