Awareness of and intention to use an online sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection testing service among gay and bisexual men in British Columbia, two years after implementation

Joshun Dulai,Joshua Edward,Kimberly Thomson,Troy Grennan,Nathan Lachowsky,Devon Haag,Mark Gilbert,Daniel Grace,Terry Trussler,Travis Salway

doi:10.17269/s41997-020-00323-4

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study assessed gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men’s (GBMSM) awareness of and intention to use GetCheckedOnline, an online sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing service.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted two years after launch among GBMSM > 18 years of age in British Columbia, Canada. Participants were recruited through community venues, clinics, websites, and apps.ResultsOf 1272 participants, 32% were aware of GetCheckedOnline. Gay identity, regularly testing at an STBBI clinic, being out to one’s healthcare provider, attending GBMSM community venues, and frequent social media use were associated with awareness. Among participants who were aware but had not used GetCheckedOnline, knowing GetCheckedOnline users, using social media, not knowing where else to test, and not wanting to see a doctor were associated with intention to use GetCheckedOnline.ConclusionEarly promotion of GetCheckedOnline resulted in greater awareness among those connected to GBMSM.

Highlights

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control 2018a, b) and face distinct barriers to STBBI testing (Gilbert et al 2013; Hottes et al 2012)
Online STBBI testing services vary in process, typically clients answer screening questions over the Internet instead of in person with a doctor or nurse
Paper survey data were collected at local STBBI clinics operated by the Health Initiative for Men (HIM), a community organization that was created to address the health needs of GBMSM living in Metro Vancouver

Summary

Introduction

Bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control 2018a, b) and face distinct barriers to STBBI testing (Gilbert et al 2013; Hottes et al 2012). Online STBBI testing services vary in process, typically clients answer screening questions over the Internet instead of in person with a doctor or nurse. They either order a self-testing kit online and return their specimens in the mail, or download a laboratory requisition and provide specimens on-site in a non-clinic-based setting. Clients receive their results online (Gibbs et al 2018; Greenland et al 2011; Koekenbier et al 2008; Loos et al 2016; Lorimer and McDaid 2013; Platteau et al 2015), over the phone (Chai et al 2010; Gaydos et al 2006), or through text message (Woodhall et al 2012)

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Conclusion