Feasibility and acceptability of point-of-care testing for sexually transmissible infections among men and women in mobile van settings
Elizabeth A. Hesse A , Lea E. Widdice A D , Sherine A. Patterson-Rose A , Sarah St. Cyr B , Laura Dize C and Charlotte A. Gaydos CA Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 4000, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA.
B Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 4000, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA.
C School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, 530 Rangos Building, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
D Corresponding author. Email: lea.widdice@cchmc.org
Sexual Health 12(1) 71-73 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14132
Submitted: 31 May 2014 Accepted: 10 October 2014 Published: 22 December 2014
Abstract
To demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of mobile point-of-care and near-patient testing for sexually transmissible infections, we offered services during an annual community event and surveyed event-goers. Forty-two participants were tested. When provided with options, the majority of participants chose point-of-care or near-patient testing. Trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea were detected. All but one infected participant were notified and prescribed treatment. Participants responding to a written questionnaire reported sample self-collection and testing in a van as acceptable, although men reported self-collection in a van as less acceptable than a doctor’s office. Providing mobile point-of-care and near-patient sexually transmitted infection testing to the general population is feasible and acceptable.
Additional keywords: community outreach, mobile health units, public health.
References
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