Search

Background 357 million people between the ages of 19 and 49 are infected each year with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Wuhan, China is a unique setting for STI intervention as it has over 900,000 college students, a population at high risk for contracting HIV. Cultural attitudes toward premarital sex and homosexuality and poor sexual education are barriers to lowering STI rates. Additionally, 90% of Chinese healthcare is provided at large public hospitals with minimal privacy. Anonymous STI screening outside of the public hospital setting is highly desired by young adults and MSM populations. Methods Study investigators partnered with dating app Blued to advertise a nontraditional testing site where high-risk individuals were offered anonymous STI/HIV screening. With the assistance of the regional CDC and a community-based organization (CBO), rapid STI results were provided in a convenient and nonjudgmental setting. Information on sexual behavior and knowledge of STIs was surveyed for future public health interventions. Results Of 200 individuals screened for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, 51 (25.5%) had a positive test result. Over 10% of rectal and pharyngeal tests were positive, compared with 1% of urine tests. 3/200 (1.5%) of had positive rapid HIV test results; all were connected to treatment. Among 41 (20.5%) who learned about the study through Blued, STI prevalence was higher (31.7% vs. 23.9%, P = 0.3), compared with participants recruited through advertisement by the CBO. Most (67.5%) identified as MSM. Survey data confirmed low underlying knowledge of STI transmission and risk factors, especially regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Conclusion A discreet screening service at a nontraditional site, facilitated through dating application and social media advertisement, was well received by young adult and MSM communities in Wuhan, China. Triple-site STI screening found a significant number of infections among this population and should be routinely offered by public health services. The use of real-time, convenient diagnostic testing presents an opportunity to lower HIV incidence in Wuhan, a city with a large at-risk population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]