Psychosocial determinants of the intention to use a chlamydia home self-test: awareness of risk behaviour and test accuracy are important elements of educational interventions.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between psychosocial variables and the intention to use a chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) home self-test, to enable information to be tailored to the target population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out among an internet panel. A questionnaire was sent to a sample of 227 panelists in October 2006. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictive value of the psychosocial factors for the intention to test.

RESULTS

The response rate was 88% (n=200). Respondents with higher intentions to use a home self-test were younger, perceived themselves to be more susceptible to chlamydia, had more personal experience with chlamydia, felt a stronger moral obligation to do a test and had a higher level of response efficacy than those with lower intentions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides topics for educational interventions aimed at encouraging chlamydia testing in general, and at developing a more effective use of home self-test. Awareness of personal behaviour and information about the probability of false positive and false negative test results with home self-tests should be elements of these interventions.