Preferred methods of STI service delivery among an urban sample of underserved Midwestern men

Asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections remain a significant public health concern as screening is infrequently sought by individuals who are not currently experiencing symptoms. Few studies have utilized social networks as a means for recruiting participants to explore novel approaches to STI screening, service delivery, and prevention information. As part of a larger study, a diverse sample of 25 men between the ages of 18 and 54 (M = 30.1, SD = 12.7) were recruited within a large underserved urban area in the Midwestern United States. Semi-structured interviews were completed to elicit items and themes around preferred methods of STI service delivery. A number of themes emerged from the data in regards to men's preferences for STI services and STI information gathering, including: (1) how STI information was gathered; (2) perceived barriers to accessing traditional STI screening venues; and (3) perceived stigma from their sexual and social networks. Seeking out STI screening was further mitigated by two factors: (1) a lack of perceived sexual risk and (2) lack of STI symptoms. Participants acquired and preferred to access sexual health information via internet resources; however, questioned the accuracy of such information. Results highlight a variety of psychosocial variables that influence STI screening uptake and preferred methods of screening. Our findings provide further evidence for the need to tailor the development of STI screening and treatment options that are acceptable to asymptomatic men in traditionally underserved areas.