Use of incentives to encourage sexually transmissible infection testing amongst sex-on-premises venue patrons

Abstract

Incentives have been explored as a strategy for increasing access to sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing. This project sought to trial the offer of free entry to sex-on-premises venues (SOPVs) for venue patrons as an incentive to access sexual health checks. SOPV patrons were offered free entry into venues if they took advantage of sexual health testing at a range of clinics. Patrons were given testing cards from the SOPV that could be exchanged at the time of the clinical consultation for a free entry pass to the SOPV of their choice. Cards collected at clinics and SOPVs were collated. In total, 244 cards were distributed to patrons from four venues over a 6-month period. Ten persons accessed one of the six clinical sites, one person attending twice. Of these persons, five attended two general practices and the remaining five accessed public sexual health clinics. Of these 10 persons, three used their free entry passes to attend an SOPV. Two persons accessed these clinical sites for the first time, one of whom tested reactive for an STI. Another regular attendee also tested reactive. Despite the low uptake, the free entry promotion was inexpensive and could, given sufficient time, be considered an effective incentive. Nonetheless, this study may have contributed to at least two new persons undertaking testing, one of whom was diagnosed with an STI.