@article {Jones552, author = {H E Jones and L Altini and A de Kock and T Young and J H H M van de Wijgert}, title = {Home-based versus clinic-based self-sampling and testing for sexually transmitted infections in Gugulethu, South Africa: randomised controlled trial}, volume = {83}, number = {7}, pages = {552--557}, year = {2007}, doi = {10.1136/sti.2007.027060}, publisher = {The Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Disease}, abstract = {Objectives: To test whether more women are screened for sexually transmitted infections when offered home-based versus clinic-based testing and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling and self-testing in home and clinic settings in a resource-poor community. Methods: Women aged 14{\textendash}25 were randomised to receive a home kit with a pre-paid addressed envelope for mailing specimens or a clinic appointment, in Gugulethu, South Africa. Self-collected vaginal swabs were tested for gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis using PCR and self-tested for trichomoniasis using a rapid dipstick test. All women were interviewed at enrolment on sociodemographic and sexual history, and at the 6-week follow-up on feasibility and acceptability. Results: 626 women were enrolled in the study, with 313 in each group; 569 (91\%) completed their 6-week follow-up visit. Forty-seven per cent of the women in the home group successfully mailed their packages, and 13\% reported performing the rapid test and/or mailing the kit (partial responders), versus 42\% of women in the clinic group who kept their appointment. Excluding partial responders, women in the home group were 1.3 (95\% CI 1.1 to 1.5) times as likely to respond to the initiative as women in the clinic group. Among the 44\% who were tested, 22\% tested positive for chlamydia, 10\% for trichomoniasis, and 8\% for gonorrhoea. Conclusions: Self-sampling and self-testing are feasible and acceptable options in low-income communities such as Gugulethu. As rapid diagnostic tests become available and laboratory infrastructure improves, these methodologies should be integrated into services, especially services aimed at young women.}, issn = {1368-4973}, URL = {https://sti.bmj.com/content/83/7/552}, eprint = {https://sti.bmj.com/content/83/7/552.full.pdf}, journal = {Sexually Transmitted Infections} }