Self-directed sexually transmitted infection testing: providing noninvasive sexual health services.

A literature review that addressed the possible reasons sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are increasing indicated that self-directed STI testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia should be trialed. As such, a self-directed STI testing kit was developed and piloted for 6 months, during which 182 bathhouse patrons accessed services from both an on-site nurse and through the self-directed kits. In total, 127 of these individuals presented for testing from the nurse, with the remaining using the self-directed testing kits. Community/Participant feedback indicated that this testing method was a welcome adjunct to traditional services, thus suggesting that self-directed testing should be further explored.