Direct-to-Consumer STI Screening Information: Mental Health Providers as a Dissemination Channel

Abstract

Background On college campuses, rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia and gonorrhea, are increasing. However, rates of screening are low among college women. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) screening may be an innovative solution to improve screening rates, but little research exists on how college women prefer to receive information about these novel methods. The purpose was to explore the preferred communication channels for knowledge about DTC STI screening among college women. Methods Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI), in-depth interviews were conducted with sexually active college women, ages 18-24 (n=24). Interviews were analyzed thematically by two coders (Kappa=.83). This study presents a salient, emergent theme within the communication channels construct – the role of mental health providers in providing information related to DTC STI screening. Results A salient emergent theme of a preferred interpersonal communication channel for receiving STI screening information was mental health providers (MHPs) and the campus counseling center. Women described the counseling center and the MHPs on campus as an information and referral source for DTC STI screening. Interactions with the counseling center were viewed as more private and confidential than health clinics, and MHPs were viewed as trusted emotional support. Women viewed provision of DTC STI screening as a natural fit with the role of MHPs. Discussion MHPs may be an underutilized resource to provide information about STI screening, particularly novel DTC methods, to college women. Incorporating MHPs into the system of sexual healthcare may increase adoption rates of innovative screening methods and reduce the negative impacts of STIs. Conclusion These results provide preliminary data that MHPs may be an underutilized resource to provide information about STI screening, particularly novel DTC screening. Future studies should evaluate the perspectives of MHPs regarding discussion of and recommendation for DTC STI screening to patients.