The impact of implementing a self-administered electronic sexual health questionnaire on STI testing and diagnosis rates.

Abstract

Objective: Optimizing sexual history intake is crucial for effective STI screening and diagnosis. This study, conducted at a university health center, investigated whether implementing a self-administered electronic questionnaire focused on organ contact, compared to the conventional verbal intake method used previously, would increase the number and diversity of screening tests, and subsequently improve detection rates for chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC).

Methods: The number and types of CT and GC tests ordered, along with diagnosis rates, were analyzed during the implementation of the electronic questionnaire and compared with data from the preceding four years.

Results: There was a significant increase in both testing frequency and CT and GC diagnoses after initiation of the new sexual history intake compared to previous years.

Conclusion: Implementing a self-administered electronic questionnaire for sexual history intake focusing on organ contact may enhance STI screening strategies and improve diagnostic yield for CT and GC infections.