Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

The impact of chatbot-assisted self-assessment (CASA) on intentions for sexual health screening in people from minoritised ethnic groups at risk of sexually transmitted infections

Tom Nadarzynski , Nicky Knights, Deborah Husbands, Cynthia Graham, Carrie Llewellyn, Tom Buchanan, Ian Montgomery, Nuha Khlafa, Jana Tichackova, Riliwan Odeyemi, Samantha Johnson, Neomi Jesuthas, syeda tahia , Damien Ridge

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) present a significant global public health issue, with disparities in STI rates often observed across ethnic groups. The study investigates the impact of Chatbot-Assisted Self-Assessment (CASA) on the intentions for sexual health screening within minoritised ethnic groups (MEGs) at risk of STIs as well as the subsequent use of a chatbot for booking STI screening. Methods: A simulation within-subject design was utilised to evaluate CASA's effect on intentions for STI/HIV screening, concern about STIs, and attitudes towards STI screening. Screening intentions served as the dependent variable, while demographic and behavioural factors related to STI/HIV risk were the independent variables. ANCOVA tests were conducted to measure the impact of CASA on these perceptions. Results: Involving 548 participants (54% women, 66% black, average age=30), the study found that CASA positively influenced screening intentions t(547)=-10.3, p<0.001], concerns about STIs t(544)=-4.96, p<0.001, and attitudes towards sexual health screening [t(543)=-4.36, p<0.001. Positive attitudes towards CASA were observed (M=13.30, SD=6.73, range:-17 to 21). About 72% of users who booked STI screening appointments via chatbot were from MEGs. Discussion: CASA increased motivations for STI screening intentions among ethnically diverse communities. The intervention's non-judgmental nature and the chatbot's ability to emulate sexual history-taking were critical in fostering an environment conducive to behavioural intention change. The study's high acceptability indicates the potential for broader application in digital health interventions. However, the limitation of not tracking actual post-intervention behaviour warrants further investigation into CASA's real-world efficacy.

SH24058  Accepted 28 June 2024

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