Point-of-care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections Increases Awareness and Short-term Abstinence in Adolescent Women

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of point-of-care (POC) testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on reported awareness of test results and STI risk-reduction behaviors in adolescents.

Methods: Adolescent and young adult women aged 14-21 years were recruited from the Emergency Department or Teen Health Clinic for this longitudinal study and were tested for STIs. Baseline demographics, risk behaviors, treatment, POC tests (wet mount and rapid antigen tests for Trichomonas vaginalis), and other STI test results (available 24-48 hours postvisit) were measured. These were compared to subject's report of test results, abstinence, partner discussion, and partner testing during a postvisit telephone contact.

Results: Of 294 subjects, 155 (53%) were contacted: 65 (42%) had a positive STI test result; 28 (43%) were POC positive; and 52 (33.5%) believed their STI results were positive. A positive POC test result increased the proportion of subjects aware of being positive for an STI (89 vs 21%, p < .01). Postvisit, 62% reported abstinence, 82% discussed testing with her partner, and 48% reported partner testing. Predictors of abstinence included a positive POC test result (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.6, confidence interval (CI) = 1.5-13.6, prior abstinence of >14 days (AOR = 3.9, CI = 1.7-9.0), and black race (AOR = 3.5, CI = 1.2-9.7). Women who believed their STI results were positive were more likely to report partner discussion (odds ratio [OR] = 3.0, CI = 1.0-8.8) and partner testing (OR = 5.1, CI = 2.4-11.2).

Conclusions: Awareness of STI results increases with POC testing. Effective communication of results can increase patient understanding and compliance with risk reduction strategies, which may affect the STI epidemic.