ArticleSexually transmitted infections2026
'It does fill me with a bit of unease': a qualitative study of the acceptability, facilitators and barriers to reducing the frequency of screening for asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
Article in Sexually transmitted infections, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
15 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesThe study aimed to explore the acceptability of reducing the frequency of asymptomatic
methodsThis qualitative study explored stakeholder perspectives on reducing screening frequency and identified potential interventions that could support future guideline changes of this kind. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 GBMSM and 8 professional stakeholders. Data were thematically analysed using the Capabilty, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour (COM-B) and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). TDF domains were mapped to behaviour change techniques to inform intervention development. Candidate interventions were refined based on acceptability, practicability, effectiveness, affordability, side effects, equity.
resultsOverall, GBMSM stakeholder responses to discontinuing asymptomatic Ng and Ct screening tended to be negative, while professional stakeholder opinions were mixed. Reducing the recommended screening frequency to 6 monthly was generally more acceptable to both groups. Barriers and facilitators to guideline changes included issues of knowledge and trust, social influence and identity, context and resources, concerns about consequences and emotional responses and habit. Ten candidate interventions were suggested. These involve providing information, social support, behavioural substitutions and feedback as well as facilitating discussions to resolve concerns.
conclusionAny reduction in the recommended frequency of asymptomatic screening will encounter a range of interrelated barriers, including knowledge gaps, social influences and emotional factors. We identified evidence-based interventions that could improve acceptance and minimise unintended consequences. Future research should incorporate stakeholder workshops to refine these strategies.
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