Jaya, Ziningi NobuhleMapanga, WitnessMoetlhoa, BoitumeloMashamba‑Thompson, Tivani Phosa2024-01-312024-01-312024-01Jaya, Z.N., Mapanga, W., Moetlhoa, B. et al. Nurses’ perspectives on user-friendly self-sampling interventions for diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections among young women in eThekwini district municipality: a nominal group technique. BMC Health Services Research 24, 106 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10353-6.1472-6963 (online)10.1186/s12913-023-10353-6http://hdl.handle.net/2263/94183AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS : All data generated or analysed during this study are available in the manuscript. However, additional datasets used are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request if required.BACKGROUND : Syndromic management in the main non-laboratory-based management approach for sexually transmitted infections (STI) in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) but it has limitations. Self-sampling has been proven as a suitable alternative approach to help improve management STIs by improving access to diagnosis among vulnerable populations. We sought to determine health workers’ perspectives on user-friendly self-sampling interventions for STIs among young women in eThekwini District Municipality. METHODS : Healthcare workers providing STI healthcare services in the study location participated in a nominal group technique (NGT) workshop. The NGT workshop was aimed enabling collaboration with key health providers in identifying user-friendly self-sampling interventions for diagnosis of STIs among young women. Data collection was conducted in two phases: phase 1 determined barrier that hinder young women from accessing current STI healthcare services and phase 2 focused on determining the key strategies for self-sampling interventions to diagnose STIs in young women. Thematic analysis and percentage form analysis were used to examine qualitative and quantitative data respectively. RESULTS : The following barriers were identified: negligence; myths about STIs; fear of judgement; denial; operating hours; lack of knowledge of STI symptoms and safe sex practices; and stigma associated with STIs. The following strategies were suggested: hand out self-sampling kits at popular restaurants; collect self-sampling kits from security guard at primary healthcare clinics (PHCs); receive STI diagnostic results via SMS or email or the clinic for treatment; improve youth friendly services at PHCs; educate the public on proper use of the kits. Education about STIs and handing out self-sampling kits at clinics, universities, schools, pharmacies or via outreach teams were ranked high priority strategies. CONCLUSIONS : The findings highlight the need to address stigma and fear of judgment and provide comprehensive education to improve healthcare-seeking behaviour in young women. Additionally, the study also indicates that using eHealth solutions could significantly enhance the accessibility and efficiency of STI healthcare services in LMICs.en© The Author(s) 2023. Open Access. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)Sexually transmitted infection (STI)Primary healthcare (PHC)BarriersSelf-samplingStrategieseHealth solutionsSDG-03: Good health and well-beingArticle