Acceptability of Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Using Self-collected Vaginal Swabs Among College Women

Objective: To assess the acceptability of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing using self-collected vaginal swabs (SCVS) among college women. Participants: First-year female students (N = 483). Methods: Participants were offered free testing for 3 STIs using SCVS in April 2010 and later completed a survey regarding their testing decision and experiences. Results: Sixty-four percent (n = 310) accepted testing; of these, 98% found it easy or very easy to understand the SCVS instructions, and 93% found it easy or very easy to collect the specimen. Among the 36% who did not participate in testing, most had scheduling conflicts or did not perceive a risk for STIs; only 26% felt uncomfortable about the SCVS procedure. Among all women, SCVS was preferred over other STI testing methods. Conclusions: STI testing using SCVS was acceptable to the majority of college women and could increase the uptake of testing among sexually active college women.