Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are
a significant public health concern globally, particularly
affecting young women. Early diagnosis and treatment
are essential to reducing or stopping the continuous
spread of infections and the development of associated
complications. Syndromic management, which is
commonly used for STIs, presents several barriers,
particularly for young women. This protocol is for a study
that aims to understand young women’s preferences for
a self-sampling intervention for STI diagnosis by using
a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The DCE will be
conducted among young women residing in underserved
urban communities in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following attributes of a self sampling intervention were identified through a Nominal
Group Technique: accessibility, education, confidentiality,
self-sampling method, youth-friendliness and cost. A
pilot study involving 20 participants was conducted to
refine the DCE questionnaire. A total of 196 young women
from underserved communities will be recruited. The
participants will be sampled from communities, stratified
by settlement type and socioeconomic status. Data will be
analysed using the multinomial logit model and mixed logit
model to assess preferences and heterogeneity.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by
the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee
of the University of Pretoria. The study findings have
the potential to inform policies for STI treatment and
management to align healthcare services with user
preferences. This can improve STI healthcare access
for young women in underserved communities. Ethical
approval was obtained, and results will be disseminated
through peer-reviewed journals and health conferences.
