Psychosocial determinants of the intention to use a chlamydia home self-test: awareness of risk behaviour and test accuracy are important elements of educational interventions

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between psychosocial variables and the intention to use a chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) home self-test, to enable information to be tailored to the target population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among an internet panel. A questionnaire was sent to a sample of 227 panellists in October 2006. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictive value of the psychosocial factors for the intention to test. Results: The response rate was 88% (n = 200). Respondents with higher intentions to use a home self-test were younger, perceived themselves to be more susceptible to chlamydia, had more personal experience with chlamydia, felt a stronger moral obligation to do a test and had a higher level of response efficacy than those with lower intentions. Conclusions: This study provides topics for educational interventions aimed at encouraging chlamydia testing in general, and at developing a more effective use of home self-test. Awareness of personal behaviour and information about the probability of false positive and false negative test results with home self-tests should be elements of these interventions.