183718 A Pilot Study to Evaluate Field Collection of Rectal Samples for Sexually Transmitted Infections Diagnostics

Monday, October 27, 2008: 3:30 PM

Brian Dodge, PhD , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Barbara Van Der Pol, PhD, MPH , Division of Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Michael Reece, PhD, MPH , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Joshua Rosenberger, MPH , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
J. Dennis Fortenberry, MD, MS , Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
     
Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of rectal sexually transmitted infections (STI) significantly reduces transmission and risk of HIV acquisition. Rectal STI are common in men at risk for urethral infections with these pathogens, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). However, for those individuals are not regularly seen by a clinician, screening for rectal STI is not currently a widespread option. Methods: Data were collected from 60 MSM in the form of both biomarkers (i.e., rectal self-sampling specimens) and qualitative information. Upon completion of the rectal self-sampling, each participant completed a brief interview regarding their overall experience with the rectal self-sampling technique. Results: Clinics and clinicians were often reported to be actual barriers to rectal STI screening due to issues of access (insurance, time, location), stigma (social status, sexual behaviors), and disclosure of sexual behaviors. Self-sampling for rectal STI assisted men in overcoming barriers associated with clinical screening by increasing autonomy and reducing the care-seeking barrier. Conclusions: Participants reported numerous issues associated with both acceptability and comfort-level involved with self-sampling for rectal STI. Further research is needed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of these diagnostics among diverse groups of men and women.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this session, participants will: 1. review that early diagnosis and treatment of rectal sexually transmitted infections (STI) significantly reduces transmission and risk of HIV acquisition, 2. see that clinics and clinicians are often be actual barriers to STI screening due to issues of access, stigma, and disclosure of sexual behaviors, 3. learn that self-sampling methods for STI diagnostics may be used to test and treat individuals who may not otherwise be reached by current clinic-based care, 4. understand the issues associated with acceptability, comfortability, and facilitators of/barriers to rectal STI self-sampling among a diverse group of men who have sex with men (MSM), a particularly high risk group, 5. determine whether self-sampling methods may be appropriate, or inappropriate, within their respective communities based on the findings of this study.

Keywords: Screening, Barriers to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I conducted the majority of the work related to scientific oversight of this study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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