Sexually transmitted infection testing and key outcomes following implementation of online postal self-sampling into sexual health services in England: a retrospective observational study of routinely collected service-level healthcare data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A shift to online postal self-sampling (OPSS) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in high-income settings has occurred. We evaluate whether introduction of OPSS in England is associated with changes in testing activity and if this differs by population characteristics.

Methods

A retrospective study of sexual health (online and clinic-based) service-level data, across three case study areas (CSAs) that implemented OPSS at different times, using different models, and whose populations have different socio-demographic profiles, between 01/01/2015 and 31/12/2022 (from 01/08/2014 in CSA1 to ensure 12 months pre-OPSS). The primary outcome was chlamydia/gonorrhoea and HIV testing activity. We evaluated change over time using selected calendar years, with total act

SUBMITTER: Gibbs J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12704373 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature