(P489) Preferences for an online STI testing service; reaching and garnering trust with young people in underserved populations- a survey of young Australians

Background

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates continue to rise but in-person testing services are unable to meet these demands resulting in the proliferation of online testing services. However, access to services can be disparate between populations affected by remoteness, stigma or cultural identity. This study aims to explore the preferences of young people from diverse backgrounds on what they prefer from an online STI testing service regarding its language, trustworthiness, and the advertising of these services.

Methods

Australians aged 16-29 were recruited via digital media and completed a survey about their online STI testing preferences. Logistic regression was used to determine preference for online vs in-person services from populations including those living in rural areas, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), and men who have sex with men (MSM). Descriptive statistics was used to describe preferences of young people regarding trustworthiness, language used by the website, and how it’s advertised.

Results:

905 people responded to the survey. 46% were cis-gendered heterosexuals, 20% MSM, 24% were CALD with 15% of Asian descent. 21% lived in rural areas.

Overall, 75% preferred online testing over in-person testing. Those preferring online services were nearly twice as likely to live in rural areas (OR=1.90, p=.0053). CALD populations (OR=0.58, p=.0042) and those of Asian descent (OR=0.50, 0.0019) were less likely to prefer online testing.

Professionally supported (government/clinics) services (98%) and privacy/confidentiality (89%) were selected by most participants as important for a trustworthy service. How to advertise an online STI testing service varied among the populations with new media (e.g. social media) (84%) and collateral materials (eg. posters) (79%) being the top preferences by most people. Participants from rural areas (87%) and of Asian descent (88%) preferred posters as a means of advertising services.

Conclusion

These results indicate that there is an overall preference for online STI testing services, but this varies by area of residence and ethnicity. From this study we have a better understanding of how we can develop and advertise a service that is trustworthy and accessible to all.