Factors associated with screening for sexually transmitted infections.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of the completion of free annual sexually transmitted infection screening among sexually active young women of ≤ 25 years old. We analyzed survey data from 2607 sexually active women who were enrolled in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project, a prospective cohort study. We evaluated demographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviors, relationship characteristics, and contraceptive methods. Receipt of a home- or clinic-based test kit within 56 days of the 12-month survey constituted a completed screen. A multivariable model to predict screening completion was created with the use of Poisson regression with robust error variance. Fifty-seven percent of the women completed the screening. Screening completion was associated most strongly with a college education or higher (adjusted relative risk, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.3) and home-based testing (adjusted relative risk, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.5). Free and home-based testing increased screening rates among young women. To meet annual testing guidelines, the availability and use of home-based testing kits should increase.