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Currie MJ, Schmidt M, Davis BK, Baynes AM, O'Keefe EJ, Bavinton TP, McNiven M, Martin SJ, Bowden FJ. 'Show me the money': financial incentives increase chlamydia screening rates among tertiary students: a pilot study. Sex Health 2010; 7:60-5. [DOI: 10.1071/sh08091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: We hypothesise that text-messaging and financial incentives would increase tertiary student participation in chlamydia screening. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over two phases on eight tertiary campuses during 2007. During Phase 1 (6 months) study activities were advertised through student organisations and media. Education and screening were offered during a range of student activities. During Phase 2 (4 days) education and screening were offered via text messages. Non-financial incentives were offered during Phase 1 and a $10 cash incentive was offered during Phase 2. Rates of specimens provided by students and the direct costs incurred during each phase were compared. Results: 2786 students attended the 31 activities conducted in Phase 1. Of these, 627 students (22.5%) provided urine specimens for chlamydia testing. During Phase 2, the dissemination of 866 text messages resulted in urine specimens from 392 students (45.3%). Costs per test were AUD $175.11 in Phase 1 and AUD $27.13 in Phase 2. Conclusions: Compared with more labour intensive (and therefore more expensive) screening activities conducted over a 6-month period, offering a small financial incentive to tertiary students through text messaging over a 4-day period significantly increased participation in on-campus chlamydia screening. This model could readily be applied to other populations to increase participation in chlamydia screening.
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