Does the preference of information source for Self-sampling methods for Sexually Transmitted Infection screening differ by race and ethnicity among young college women?

Purpose: Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a higher incidence among sexually active young women. Since in-clinic STI screening services are underutilized, self-sampling methods (collecting a vaginal swab at home) could be a potential screening approach to increase STI screening rates. However, there is limited research to understand the best means to inform this population about these methods. This study aims to identify the preferred sources of information for self-sampling methods of STI screening among college women by race/ethnicity. Methods: A quantitative survey was administered among sexually active college women ages 18-24 years old (n=92) ranking their preferred information sources about self-sampling methods for STI screening (healthcare provider, friends, family, partners, internet, college resource, class, other) from most to least preferred. We conducted Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the ranking of sources by demographic factors (race/ethnicity). Results: Healthcare providers, internet, and college resources were the most preferred sources of information among young college women. While there were no significant differences found in the preference of information source based on ethnicity, women who were biracial, multiracial or from other races preferred partners as an information source as compared to women who were White/Black (p=0.012). Conclusion: Findings suggest that it would be useful to develop future interventions by including healthcare providers, internet, and college resources as primary information sources to improve STI screening rates in this population. Targeted educational interventions for racial subgroups shoul