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Self-testing methods for STIs had high acceptability
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NEW YORK CITY – Findings from many studies demonstrated high acceptability of all self-testing methods for sexually transmitted infections, according to data presented during the 23rd Annual Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium, held in New York City.
This is in contrast to findings from previous studies, which showed high acceptability of self-testing methods, with most showing preference for self testing over pelvic examination, and preference for first-catch urine over self-obtained vaginal swabs, according to data presented by Cynthia Holland-Hall, MD, MPH, associate professor of clinical pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, in Columbus, Ohio.
Holland-Hall discussed issues related to sexually transmitted infections, including the epidemiology of sexual behaviors and common sexually transmitted infections among adolescents, screening guidelines for sexually active teens and the best tests to use.
According to information cited by Holland-Hall from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance 2009, 46% of high school students have had sex; 40% stated they did not use a condom the last time they had sex.
“Data from NHANES demonstrated that one in four teenage girls has a sexually transmitted infection,” Holland-Hall said during the presentation.
She discussed screening guidelines for sexually transmitted infections, including Chlamydia trachomatis infection, HIV, syphilis and HPV and cervical dysplasia.
In a systematic review of 29 studies, data demonstrated that urine testing is an appropriate means of screening asymptomatic males and females for gonorrhea and Chlamydia and an appropriate means of screening symptomatic males. Symptomatic females should have more thorough evaluation.
Findings from some studies, however, demonstrated that vaginal swabs have shown superior sensitivity to first-catch urine tests, according to Holland-Hall.
“Vaginal swabs are better than urine. If you see many adolescent girls, it’s better to do even a patient collected specimen because you get better test results. Girls generally are okay with it; they like it better than a pelvic exam,” she said during the presentation. - by Christen Cona
For more information:
- Holland-Hall C. Sexually transmitted infections in adolescents. Presented at: the 23rd Annual Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium; Nov. 20-21, 2010; New York City.
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