However, concerns regarding accuracy and discomfort with specimen collection were raised by 5.9% of respondents who would not use self-collection kits.

A national survey reveals that self-collection of STI tests could help adolescents and young adults (AYAs) overcome barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare.

This comes at a crucial time as CDC data indicates that approximately 50% of new STI cases occur in individuals aged 15-24 years.

In fact, over 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were reported in the U.S. in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for accessible testing.

Researchers from the University of Michigan found that 91.1% of the 764 surveyed respondents would use free STI self-collection kits.

The survey also highlighted that convenience and privacy significantly influenced preferences, with 69.5% favoring self-collection over in-person testing.

Notably, about 80.2% preferred receiving self-collection kits by mail for privacy, while 45.5% would opt to pick them up at pharmacies.

While the cost-effectiveness of self-collection kits needs to be assessed, increased testing could lead to lower transmission rates and improved access to treatment.

The potential for health plans to cover self-collected STI test kits and their availability at public health centers could further enhance access for AYAs.

Experts emphasize that self-collection kits could significantly reduce barriers to testing, particularly for marginalized youth.

Some respondents suggested that social media campaigns could help raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding STI self-testing.

Participants also expressed worries about the accuracy of tests, the process of administering at-home tests, and privacy regarding mail delivery.