Quick online STI risk-assessment questions for asymptomatic young people: the computer said I should get tested

Abstract

Both healthcare providers and clients identify barriers to sexually transmissible infections (STI) testing associated with time, embarrassment, anxiety, or stigma. Online testing options are one mechanism to address some of these constraints and engage people who prefer technology facilitated processes. Queensland Health in Australia offers a free chlamydia and gonorrhoea urine test and uses four STI risk-assessment questions with yes/no answers to guide client decisions whether to continue to use the online service to order a Webtest. The STI risk assessment generates high, medium and low-risk categories with messages recommending where or how to get tested.