Open AccessNotification of STI test results by text messaging: Why do patients refuse? Cross-sectional study in a Parisian sexual health centre
Author(s) -
Jalal Charron,
P. Troude,
Élise de La Rochebrochard,
Christophe Ségouin,
Prescillia Piron
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of std and aids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1758-1052
pISSN - 0956-4624
DOI - 10.1177/09564624211048555
Subject(s) - medicine , logistic regression , context (archaeology) , partner notification , population , family medicine , test (biology) , reproductive health , cross sectional study , short message service , qualitative research , environmental health , syphilis , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , paleontology , pathology , biology , social science , sociology , computer science , operating system
Text messaging has been used to notify patients of results after sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. This study aimed to characterise the population who refused notification of results by short message services (SMS) and to explore their reasons for refusing. From January to August 2018, 1180 patients coming for STI testing in a Parisian sexual health centre were offered SMS notification of their results, completed a self-administered questionnaire and were included in the study. Factors associated with refusal of SMS notification were explored using logistic regression models. Reasons for refusal were analysed following a qualitative content analysis methodology. In the study population, 7.3% [95% CI 5.8–8.8] of patients refused SMS notification. In the multivariate logistic regression model, male gender and older age were associated with refusal, as were non-French nationality, having forgone health care for economic reasons and being unemployed. Qualitative analysis showed that preferring face-to-face medical contact (32%) and anxiety about the test result (29%) were the main reasons given by patients for refusal. Socially disadvantaged patients may have more limited access to technology and be less at ease using it in a health context. Preference for face-to-face medical contact may reflect the need for human support in vulnerable populations.