A qualitative examination of EPT: The patient perspective

Objective: This study elicited knowledge and perceived benefits, barriers, and beliefs regarding EPS among a sample of individuals likely to be candidates for participation in EPS. Methods: Men (n = 16) and women (n = 16) age 14+ were recruited from an urban STI clinic and completed semi-structured individual interviews. Participants were given two hypothetical situations to consider: delivering and receiving prescription medication intended to treat an STI. Interviews were conducted in English or Spanish. Data were qualitatively analyzed to identify themes related to participating in EPS. Results: Identified themes included perceptions of the medication's legitimacy, its source, and of the person delivering it. Product safety was also a major concern, particularly side effects and allergic reactions. The most common reason for declining medication from a partner was lack of trust for that person. While many participants indicated they would make an effort to deliver medication to all sexual partners, others were unlikely to deliver or receive medication from a casual partner. Perceived benefits were convenience and cost for both delivering and receiving. There was a general lack of understanding of common STI diagnosis and treatment terminology. Discussion: Findings indicate a willingness to engage in EPS and identified important barriers and facilitators to adoption. Additional research should include quantitative modeling of identified psychosocial factors. EPS implementation would likely be augmented by development of easy-to-understand, standardized instructions and packaging responsive to both patients' and partners' perceptions and needs, with particular attention to perceptions of legitimacy and trust.