Understanding the barriers and facilitators to using self‐sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections and blood‐borne viruses: Thematic analyses for intervention optimization

Abstract

Purpose: Self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are widely offered. There are ongoing problems with reach and sample return rates. The packs have arisen without formal intervention development. This paper illustrates initial steps of an intervention optimization process to improve the packs. Methods: Eleven focus groups and seven interviews were conducted with convenience samples of patients recruited from sexual health clinics and members of the public (n = 56). To enable intervention optimization, firstly, we conducted an inductive appraisal of the behavioural system of using the pack to understand meaningful constituent behavioural domains. Subsequently, we conducted a thematic analysis of barriers and facilitators to enacting each sequential behavioural domain in preparation for future behaviour change wheel analysis. Results: Overall, we found that self-sampling packs were acceptable. Participants understood their overall logic and value as a pragmatic intervention that simultaneously facilitated and reduced barriers to individuals being tested forThis is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Opening the digital doorway to sexual healthcare: Recommendations from a Behaviour Change Wheel analysis of barriers and facilitators to seeking online sexual health information and support among underserved populations

“…Over the past decade, the online delivery of sexual healthcare has increased, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic (1)(2)(3)(4). Such healthcare includes online postal self-sampling (OPSS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and blood borne virus (BBV) testing (e.g., [5][6][7][8]. More complex online clinical care pathways are also in development, such as the eSexual Health Clinic for accessing STI test results and treatment (9) and ePrEP for accessing HIV prevention medication, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (10).…”

Young women’s perspectives on a user-friendly self-sampling intervention to improve the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in underserved communities in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

“…To promote accurate STI diagnosis, self-sampling interventions should be widely used and be tailored to user needs and preferences. Previous studies have proven user acceptability and comfort with self-sampling interventions [30][31][32][33]. However, input on how service provision for such interventions should be conducted has seldom involved the input of users.…”