Young people’s preferences for home-based STI testing reveals fascinating generational differences

If you’re worried about STIs, you probably want to get tested in a way that makes you feel most comfortable.

While Better2Know offers our patients a wide selection of sexual health clinics where they can get tested, we also see high demand for our home testing kits.

And we’ve noticed something that others have: many younger people prefer getting tested at home.

But why is this? Let’s dive in.

There’s no need to risk your sexual health by avoiding getting tested. Better2Know’s Full STI Screen tests for the UK’s seven most common infections.

What are the methods for getting tested for STIs?

Anyone who wants to get tested for STIs has a couple of options: clinic-based testing and home testing.

Clinic-based testing

Clinic-based testing is simple. You book an appointment at a sexual health clinic, show up, and a health professional gathers your test samples, whether they’re blood samples, urine samples, or swabs. These samples are then sent away to a laboratory for testing.

Home testing

Home testing is a bit different. With home testing, patients order a test from a provider like Better2Know, usually online. The test materials and detailed instructions are then sent to them. The patient gathers their own samples, packages them, and sends them off for testing.

Many young people are open to home-based testing

A recent survey conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that many young people prefer home-based testing.

The survey polled 763 participants using a national text-based survey tool to assess perceptions of testing STIs at home in the US among a national sample of youth aged 14-24.

The responses indicated that the vast majority—91%—would use free STI home testing kits, while a much smaller proportion—6%—said they wouldn’t.

This paints a fascinating picture of how testing preferences can break down along generational lines.

Another study published in the British Medical Journal showed that participants who were 45 or older preferred face-to-face interactions at sexual health clinics and were willing to pay for private services. Extra support and the consultation style played significant roles in this preference.

Clinic testing vs home testing: which is right for you?

One method of testing isn’t better than the other. It all depends on what works best for you.

Benefits of clinic testing

Personalised care

Nothing beats the personal touch.

Visiting a clinic for testing allows you to spend time with a medical professional, whether a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare specialist. This professional can discuss testing options with you and advise you on the best treatment choices. This individual attention is typically unavailable through fully online testing services.

While online testing services are very convenient and effective, they lack the input of a trained professional. If left on their own, a patient may pursue testing for infections that may not be suitable for their situation or may fail to get tested altogether.

Trust and authority

Trust in medical professionals is unmatched. 

The expertise and knowledge of nurses and doctors boost many patients’ confidence and peace of mind regarding the tests, advice, and procedures they recommend.

Older adults may engage more frequently with healthcare providers due to various health concerns, making it easier to access STI testing services in a clinic.

Some older patients may also feel their mental health benefits from direct conversations with healthcare professionals, whereas this need might be less significant for younger patients.

Streamlined service

When you get tested in a clinic, everything is done for you. After you provide your test samples, clinic staff package all materials and ship them to a laboratory for testing.

You also don’t have to worry about any collection errors – a medical professional is on hand to ensure your blood, urine and swab samples are collected professionally and correctly. This ensures the integrity of your test results, meaning you can have complete confidence in your test results.

Instant testing

Instant testing is a powerful tool for patients who want test results as soon as possible. Many Better2Know clinics provide instant tests that can provide reliable and accurate test results within 30 minutes of your test samples being taken.

Instant testing requires access to medical devices and trained medical professionals that you just can’t get in a non-clinic setting.

Benefits of home testing

Convenience

When you get tested with a home testing kit, you don’t have to visit a clinic or pharmacy – you don’t even have to go to a store and pick one up. It’s mailed straight to your door and can be carried out following simple instructions. Samples can then be mailed by the patient to their local laboratories for processing.

Privacy

Home test kits offer a level of privacy you can’t get with a clinic test. Patients can collect samples how they prefer and don’t have to deal with sample collection processes that may make them feel uncomfortable.

Comfort

Many people who want to get tested for an STI may not feel entirely comfortable going into a clinic, and prefer to be around familiar surroundings. Being comfortable will make the sample collection process easier and less stressful.

Digital platforms

Most home-based testing kits are ordered online. Through a digital device like your smartphone or a computer, you can order a test kit, gather your samples, and send them off to a laboratory without needing to talk to anyone.

Final thoughts

Mike Asher, Chairman and CEO of Better2Know, had this to say about the study:

“Better2Know is dedicated to bringing sexual health testing to whoever may need it. It’s important to provide services in a variety of modes to give people many opportunities to say “yes” to testing. The more options people have, the more likely they are to take the plunge. This is why Better2Know has tailored its offering to offer both clinic-based and home test kits so that our patients can get tested the way they want.”

If you’re interested in home testing for STIs, click the button below to order your home test kit today.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Get tested at a sexual health clinic near you.

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