OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the acceptability of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) self-test method
MATERIAL AND METHODS
On the basis of the St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University Consultative and Diagnostic Department, St. Petersburg Dzhanelidze Research Institute of Emergency Medicine and St. Petersburg Women’s Consultation Center No. 12 of the City Polyclinic No. 49 from January to October 2020, a study was carried out of 80 patients, of which 40 men (50%) and 40 women (50%), with confirmed STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea) by laboratory PCR method. The material was collected by the traditional method (vaginal/urethral swab) with repeated collection of the material by the patients themselves. The women collected the material according to the following scheme: 1. Placing the tampon in the vagina for 4 hours, then after removing the tampon, part of the tampon fibers were cut off and placed in a test tube for PCR, 2. The material was collected from the vagina with a plastic spatula. Men collected the morning first portion of urine in a jar — 2—3 ml and then delivered the material to the laboratory for analysis by PCR.
RESULTS
According to the results of the study, 90.0% (36/40) of males and 95.0% (38/40) of females who used self-testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea tested positive for chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. When checked by test type, data show that in 2020, 87.5% (35/40) of males and 90.0% (36/40) of females tested positive for chlamydia and/or gonorrhea in clinical testing at the doctor’s. In 2020, patients were more likely to test positive when choosing a self-test test compared to a clinical test (χ2 (1, n=80) = 8.76, p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Self-testing can be an effective and efficient way to diagnose STIs early in asymptomatic patients, increase patient detection at risk and provide care. This highly reproducible program can be implemented to facilitate the detection of new infections at an earlier stage.
