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Reingold S, Tomcho M, Thomas-Gale T, Haynes C, O'Leary S, Warsh S, Rinehart D, Frost H. Survey of Adolescents' and Emerging Adults' Preferences for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Testing in Primary Care. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:320-322. [PMID: 36649601 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Our study assessed adolescents' and emerging adults' (ages 14-24 years) preferences for opt-out gonorrhea and chlamydia screening compared with risk-based screening. Most participants (93%) preferred opt-out gonorrhea and chlamydia testing compared with risk-based testing (6%), and opt-out testing was associated with less sexually transmitted infection-related stigma ( P < 0.05).
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Charron J, Troude P, de La Rochebrochard E, Segouin C, Piron P. Notification of STI test results by text messaging: Why do patients refuse? Cross-sectional study in a Parisian sexual health centre. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 33:257-264. [PMID: 34886724 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211048555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Text messaging has been used to notify patients of results after sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. This study aimed to characterise the population who refused notification of results by short message services (SMS) and to explore their reasons for refusing. From January to August 2018, 1180 patients coming for STI testing in a Parisian sexual health centre were offered SMS notification of their results, completed a self-administered questionnaire and were included in the study. Factors associated with refusal of SMS notification were explored using logistic regression models. Reasons for refusal were analysed following a qualitative content analysis methodology. In the study population, 7.3% [95% CI 5.8-8.8] of patients refused SMS notification. In the multivariate logistic regression model, male gender and older age were associated with refusal, as were non-French nationality, having forgone health care for economic reasons and being unemployed. Qualitative analysis showed that preferring face-to-face medical contact (32%) and anxiety about the test result (29%) were the main reasons given by patients for refusal. Socially disadvantaged patients may have more limited access to technology and be less at ease using it in a health context. Preference for face-to-face medical contact may reflect the need for human support in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Charron
- Department of Public Health, University Hospital Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, 26930AP-HP Nord, University of Paris, Paris, France.,CEGIDD, University Hospital Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, 26930AP-HP Nord, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pénélope Troude
- Department of Public Health, University Hospital Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, 26930AP-HP Nord, University of Paris, Paris, France.,Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques (INED), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Elise de La Rochebrochard
- Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques (INED), Aubervilliers, France.,UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, University Paris-Saclay, University Paris-Sud, Villejuif, France
| | - Christophe Segouin
- Department of Public Health, University Hospital Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, 26930AP-HP Nord, University of Paris, Paris, France.,CEGIDD, University Hospital Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, 26930AP-HP Nord, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Prescillia Piron
- Department of Public Health, University Hospital Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, 26930AP-HP Nord, University of Paris, Paris, France.,CEGIDD, University Hospital Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, 26930AP-HP Nord, University of Paris, Paris, France
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Gan J, Kularadhan V, Chow EPF, Fairley CK, Hocking JS, Kong FYS, Ong JJ. What do young people in high-income countries want from STI testing services? A systematic review. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 97:574-583. [PMID: 34193529 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are upward trends of STI rates among young people in most high-income countries. We reviewed the literature to provide a summary of information to support health services with the aim of increasing testing of STIs among young people living in high-income countries. METHODS We conducted a systematic review (Prospero: CRD42020179720) using PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO and CINAHL. The search was performed on 10 January 2020 for studies between January 2000 and 10 January 2020. Two reviewers independently screened articles, and any discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Studies were included if they were performed in high-income countries and contained data on both young people (<26 years) and STI testing preferences. Data regarding the characteristics of STI testing services that young people preferred was extracted. We categorised these characteristics using the framework of a social-ecological model. RESULTS We identified 1440 studies, and 63 studies were included in the final review. We found 32 studies that addressed individual factors, 62 studies that addressed service factors and 17 studies that addressed societal factors. At an individual level, we identified eight attributes including the need for improved sexual health education. At a service level, 14 attributes were identified including preferences from different subgroups of young people (such as sexual and ethnic minorities) for the types of services. At a societal level, we identified two attributes including the need to address stigma associated with STIs. CONCLUSION We provide an overview of the growing body of literature capturing the preferences of young people for STI testing services. To optimise the uptake of STI testing among young people, factors from all socioecological levels should be considered. In addition, understanding and accounting for distinct preferences from subgroups of young people could increase demand for STI testing services for those at greatest need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joscelyn Gan
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fabian Y S Kong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Godongwana M, Chewparsad J, Lebina L, Golub J, Martinson N, Jarrett BA. Ethical Implications of eHealth Tools for Delivering STI/HIV Laboratory Results and Partner Notifications. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:237-246. [PMID: 33772406 PMCID: PMC8057984 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review eHealth tools are increasingly utilized for communication with patients. Although efficacious and cost-effective, these tools face several barriers that challenge their ethical use in sexual health. We reviewed literature from the past decade to pick illustrative studies of eHealth tools that deliver results of laboratory tests for sexually transmitted infections, including the human immunodeficiency virus, as well as partner notifications. We describe ethical implications for such technologies. Recent Findings Our review found that despite widespread research on the use of eHealth tools in delivering laboratory results and partner notifications, these studies rarely measured or reported on the ethical implications. Such implications can be organized according to the four major principles in bioethics: beneficence, patient autonomy, non-maleficence, and justice. The beneficence of eHealth typically measures efficacy in comparison to existing standards of care. Patient autonomy includes the ability to opt in or out of eHealth tools, right-based principles of consent, and sovereignty over healthcare data. To adhere to the principle of non-maleficence, relevant harms must be identified and measured—such as unintentional disclosure of illness, sexual orientation, or sexual activity. Justice must also be considered to accommodate all users equally, irrespective of their literacy level, with easy-to-use platforms that provide clear messages. Summary Based on case studies from this review, we developed a list of recommendations for the ethical development and evaluation of eHealth platforms to deliver STI/HIV results to patients and notifications to partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motlatso Godongwana
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Programme in Demography and Population Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Juanita Chewparsad
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Limakatso Lebina
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Golub
- Center for TB Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Neil Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Brooke A Jarrett
- Programme in Demography and Population Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Parental Notification Via Text Messaging for Infant Sickle Screening Programs: Exploration of Feasibility and Acceptability in Uganda. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 42:e593-e600. [PMID: 32287095 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) in Africa has high prevalence, morbidity, and early mortality. Difficulties in reaching parents following infant SCD screening dampen program effectiveness. Text messaging may support initial postscreening parental notification. We explored SCD awareness, and feasibility and acceptability of text messaging about screening follow-up among convenience samples of caretakers with children under 5 years (n=115) at 3 sites: a SCD family conference or 2 general pediatric clinics in urban or rural Uganda. Two thirds of the conference-based participants and 8% at clinic sites had affected children. At the clinics, 64% of caretakers were aware of SCD. In all, 87% claimed current possession of mobile phones; 89% previously had received messages. A sample text on the availability of screening results and need to bring their child to SCD clinic was at least partially understood by 82%. Overall, 52% preferred communication for initial follow-up by telephone over text message. Concerns about texting included phone access, privacy or cost, and readability of messages. Caretakers identified concerns about distance, cost, or preference for another clinic as additional barriers to SCD follow-up. Findings suggest that text messaging to caretakers may be feasible, but less acceptable compared with a telephone call about initial follow-up from newborn SCD screening.
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Assessing Patient Opinions About Electronic Messaging for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Result Notification and Partner Services, Durham, North Carolina. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 46:625-628. [PMID: 31181032 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Text or e-mail messages can provide timely notification of sexually transmitted disease results to patients. We assessed sexually transmitted disease clinic patient opinions about text/e-mail notification via a service called Chexout. Among 113 patients who opted in, the majority found results notification via texts/e-mails to be satisfactory (99.0%) and easy (92.9%).
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Abstract
Participation in a short message service program after sexually transmitted infection/HIV screening seemed quite good but varied according to patient profile. Several options should be proposed for delivering the results of sexually transmitted infection screening. Background Text messaging after sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV screening may be a cost-effective means of improving patient care, but it may not be appropriate for all patients. This study aimed to explore the profiles of patients who did not participate in a short message service (SMS) program after STI/HIV testing. Methods In October 2016, 396 patients in Paris were screened for STI/HIV and were invited to complete an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Patients were offered the possibility of being notified by SMS after testing, 68% accepted (SMS group) and 32% did not (no-SMS group). Each of the 100 patients from the no-SMS group who had completed the questionnaire was matched with the next patient from the SMS group. Factors associated with nonparticipation in the SMS program were studied using conditional logistic regression models. Results Participation in the SMS program was not related to STI screening characteristics (screening results and seriousness of the diseases screened) but seemed to be related to patient characteristics. In multivariate analysis, compared with patients in the SMS group, those in the no-SMS group were more often older, socially less favored (born in Africa or Asia, no university diploma, living outside Paris). They also more often declined to answer sexual questions, which could reflect a need for privacy and discretion. Conclusions Although SMS after STI/HIV screening is well accepted, it does not suit all patients. Several contact options should be proposed to comply with patients' preferences and to reduce the risk of nondelivery of STI screening results.
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Cohen AC, Zimmerman F, Prelip M, Glik D. A Smartphone Application to Reduce Time-to-Notification of Sexually Transmitted Infections. Am J Public Health 2017; 107:1795-1800. [PMID: 28933935 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2017.303999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure whether the implementation of Healthvana-an online patient engagement platform and smartphone application-reduced the number of days between sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, notification, and treatment at AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Wellness Centers. METHODS We analyzed the retrospective data for 917 male clients who tested positive and received treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015. We included 8 AHF Wellness Centers from California and Florida in the study. We used regression models to evaluate the relationship between Healthvana implementation (pre-Healthvana vs post-Healthvana) and the number of days between the STI test, notification, and treatment. RESULTS Following Healthvana implementation at the AHF Wellness Centers, the mean number of days decreased between the STI test and notification, from 8 to 6 days. The mean number of days between the overall STI test and treatment decreased from 12 to 10 days. Regression models found the reduction in the number of days from STI test to notification to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Smartphone applications like Healthvana are promising technologies to ensure clients are successfully and immediately notified of their STI test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Carl Cohen
- Adam Carl Cohen is with the Public Health Division, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA. Frederick Zimmerman is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. Michael Prelip and Deborah Glik are with the Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
| | - Frederick Zimmerman
- Adam Carl Cohen is with the Public Health Division, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA. Frederick Zimmerman is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. Michael Prelip and Deborah Glik are with the Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
| | - Michael Prelip
- Adam Carl Cohen is with the Public Health Division, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA. Frederick Zimmerman is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. Michael Prelip and Deborah Glik are with the Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
| | - Deborah Glik
- Adam Carl Cohen is with the Public Health Division, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA. Frederick Zimmerman is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. Michael Prelip and Deborah Glik are with the Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
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Reed JL, Huppert JS, Gillespie GL, Taylor RG, Holland CK, Alessandrini EA, Kahn JA. Adolescent patient preferences surrounding partner notification and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:61-6. [PMID: 25545855 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Important barriers to addressing the sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic among adolescents are the inadequate partner notification of positive STI results and insufficient rates of partner testing and treatment. However, adolescent attitudes regarding partner notification and treatment are not well understood. The aim was to qualitatively explore the barriers to and preferences for partner notification and treatment among adolescent males and females tested for STIs in an emergency department (ED) setting and to explore the acceptability of ED personnel notifying their sexual partners. METHODS This was a descriptive, qualitative study in which a convenience sample of 40 adolescents (18 females, 22 males) 14 to 21 years of age who presented to either adult or pediatric EDs with STI-related complaints participated. Individualized, semistructured, confidential interviews were administered to each participant. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim by an independent transcriptionist. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. RESULTS Barriers to partner notification included fear of retaliation or loss of the relationship, lack of understanding of or concern for the consequences associated with an STI, and social stigma and embarrassment. Participants reported two primary barriers to their partners obtaining STI testing and treatment: lack of transportation to the health care site and the partner's fear of STI positive test results. Most participants preferred to notify their main sexual partners of an STI exposure via a face-to-face interaction or a phone call. Most participants were agreeable with a health care provider (HCP) notifying their main sexual partners of STI exposure and preferred that the HCP notify the partner by phone call. CONCLUSIONS There are several adolescent preferences and barriers for partner notification and treatment. To be most effective, future interventions to prevent adolescent STIs should incorporate these preferences and address the barriers to partner notification. In an ED setting, using HCPs to provide partner notification of STI exposures is acceptable to adolescent patients; however, the feasibility of this type of program needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Reed
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
| | - Jill S. Huppert
- Division of Adolescent Gynecology; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
| | | | - Regina G. Taylor
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
| | - Carolyn K. Holland
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Florida; Gainesville FL
| | - Evaline A. Alessandrini
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
- The Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
| | - Jessica A. Kahn
- Division of Adolescent Medicine; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH
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Davoren MP, Hayes K, Horgan M, Shiely F. Sexually transmitted infection incidence among adolescents in Ireland. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PLANNING AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE 2014; 40:276-82. [PMID: 24916479 PMCID: PMC4174011 DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rests with young people, yet in Ireland there has been very little research into this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence rate and establish risk factors that predict STI occurrence among adolescents in Ireland. DESIGN Routine diagnostic, demographic and behavioural data from first-time visits to three screening centres in the southwest of Ireland were obtained. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors that predict STI occurrence among adolescents. RESULTS A total of 2784 first-time patients, aged 13-19 years, received 3475 diagnoses between January 1999 and September 2009; 1168 (42%) of adolescents had notifiable STIs. The incidence rate of STIs is 225/100 000 person-years. Univariate analysis identified eligible risk factors (p<0.2) for inclusion in the multivariable model. Multivariable logistic regression showed the dominant risk factors for STI diagnosis to be: males who sometimes [odds ratio (OR) 2.02] or never (OR 1.83) use condoms; and females 18-19 years (OR 2.26) and 16-18 years (OR 1.8), with 2 (OR 1.33) or 3+ (OR 1.56) partners in the last 12 months, who are non-intravenous drug users (OR 0.72), are most likely to receive a positive STI diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS STI diagnosis has become increasingly common in Ireland. The proportion of notifications among those aged under 20 years is increasing. These data illustrate the significance of age, condom use and number of sexual partners as risk factors for STI diagnosis. Furthermore, providing data for the first time, we report on the high incidence rate of STIs among adolescents in Ireland. The high levels of risk-taking behaviour and STI acquisition are highlighted and suggest that there is a need for an integrated public health approach to combat this phenomenon in the adolescent population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P Davoren
- PhD Student, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kevin Hayes
- Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Mary Horgan
- Professor, Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork and Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Frances Shiely
- Lecturer, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health,University College Cork,Cork and Senior Lecturer, HRB Clinical Research Facility, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Use of Text Messaging for Maternal and Infant Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Matern Child Health J 2014; 19:969-89. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-014-1595-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bailey SM, Scalley BD, Gilles MT. Text 2 treat - using SMS to recall clients for treatment. Int J STD AIDS 2014; 25:1038-40. [PMID: 24695015 DOI: 10.1177/0956462414530108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prompt treatment of patients with genital Chlamydia shortens the period of infectivity with benefits to the individual and wider community. With large numbers of genital Chlamydia notifications, predominantly occurring in younger age groups, short message service (SMS) is a potentially useful technology for recalling this patient group quickly and efficiently. In the sexual health unit of Population Health-Midwest, Western Australia, genital Chlamydia cases were recalled for treatment with an SMS. Ninety-four per cent (n = 60) of clients responded to the SMS, with 84% (n = 54) responding on the same day they were contacted. All clients (n = 64) were treated for their infection, with 72% (n = 46) having directly-observed treatment within one day of being informed of their results via SMS. Our results suggest that SMS is a highly effective, youth-friendly communication tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin David Scalley
- Geraldton Population Health Unit, Geraldton, WA, Australia Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health (UWA), Geraldton, WA, Australia
| | - Marisa Theresa Gilles
- Geraldton Population Health Unit, Geraldton, WA, Australia Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health (UWA), Geraldton, WA, Australia
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Lunny C, Taylor D, Memetovic J, Wärje O, Lester R, Wong T, Ho K, Gilbert M, Ogilvie G. Short message service (SMS) interventions for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2014; 3:7. [PMID: 24433348 PMCID: PMC3904420 DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-3-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is rising, posing a challenge to its control and appropriate management. Text messaging has become the most common mode of communication among almost six billion mobile phone users worldwide. Text messaging can be used to remind patients about clinic appointments, to notify patients that it is time for STI re-testing, and to facilitate patient communication with their health professionals with any questions and concerns they may have about their sexual health. While there are a handful of systematic reviews published on short message service (SMS) interventions in a variety of health settings and issues, none are related to sexual health. We plan to conduct a systematic review to examine the impact text messaging might have on interventions for the prevention and care of patients with STIs. METHODS/DESIGN Eligible studies will include both quantitative and qualitative studies published after 1995 that discuss the efficacy and effectiveness of SMS interventions for STI prevention and management using text messaging. Data will be abstracted independently by two reviewers using a standardized pre-tested data abstraction form. Inter-rater reliability scores will be obtained to ensure consistency in the inclusion and data extraction of studies. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the I2 test and subgroup analyses. A nonhypothesis driven inductive reasoning approach as well as a coding framework will be applied to analyze qualitative studies. A meta-analysis may be conducted if sufficient quantitative studies are found using similar outcomes. DISCUSSION For this protocol, we identified ten related systematic reviews. The reviews were limited to a particular disease or setting, were not exclusive to SMS interventions, or were out of date. This systematic review will be the first comprehensive examination of studies that discuss the effectiveness of SMS on multiple outcomes that relate to STI prevention and management, covering diverse settings and populations. Findings of the systematic review and any additional meta-analyses will be published and presented to our key knowledge users. This information will provide the evidence that is required to appropriately adopt text messaging into standard practice in STI care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Lunny
- BC Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4R4, Canada.
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