2021 · Sexually transmitted infections · open access
How can we make self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections and bloodborne viruses more inclusive? A qualitative study with people with mild learning disabilities and low health literacy
Middleton et al.
The finding, in our words
People with mild learning disabilities found STI/BBV self-sampling packs challenging due to complex instructions and manual dexterity required for blood sampling, yet welcomed privacy and avoiding clinic visits. Providing easy-read formats and retaining face-to-face options are essential to avoid widening health inequalities in decentralised screening.
A paraphrase to the Library’s standard, never the abstract. The source is one link away and is always the authority.
This pilot study demonstrated that a fully remote web-based testing programme for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections was feasible and acceptable overall, although participants encountered specific collection challenges with the dried blood spot component.
Christensen et al., International journal of STD & AIDS · source ↗
The study found that the Test2Know postal self-sampling service was highly acceptable and usable, with nearly 90% of users willing to reuse or recommend it, and it reached individuals at risk who had not previously tested for HIV or STIs. This supports the role of decentralised, patient-centric microsampling in expanding access to sexual health testing.
De Baetselier et al., International journal of STD & AIDS (paywalled) · source ↗
A home-based PrEP follow-up programme using self-collected specimens and remote monitoring was evaluated among predominantly Black and Latino men who have sex with men in South Florida. Only 37.5% elected home-based care, with completion rates falling from 48.3% at first follow-up to 15% by the third, and most returned to clinic care citing discomfort with self-collection and logistical barriers, highlighting that decentralised HIV prevention requires enhanced support to achieve equitable uptake and persistence.
Butts et al., Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (paywalled) · source ↗
Non-invasive HPV self-sampling kits such as first-void urine and menstrual blood devices may increase screening participation among non-Western ethnic minority women by addressing cultural beliefs about virginity and body autonomy.
Hald et al., Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities · source ↗
Among 133 users of HIV self-sampling and self-testing in the Netherlands, the commonest reason for choosing this route was saving time, followed by anonymity and avoiding a GP visit. However, 22% encountered problems, with seven in ten of those struggling to obtain enough blood from a finger prick, showing that while self-testing expands reach, blood collection remains a key usability hurdle for decentralised HIV screening.
Willemstein et al., BMC health services research · source ↗