A-294 Usability of the simpli-COLLECT Urine Collection Kit for STI Testing: An Age Group Analysis

Background The increasing prevalence of STIs poses a significant public health challenge, with millions of new cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis reported annually. An innovative approach to address this issue is the use of STI home collection kits. By offering a discreet and convenient testing option, these kits can encourage more individuals to get tested, leading to earlier detection and treatment. This study evaluates the usability of the simpli-COLLECT Urine Collection IUO Kit (sC kit) in a simulated home environment for STI testing using urine samples. Methods The sC kit was assessed through simulated use, knowledge-based questions, and subjective feedback during individual, in-person sessions. Usability data were collected from 162 participants (81 male and 81 female), divided into three age groups: adolescents (14-17 years), adults (18-64 years), and older adults (65+ years). Participants were evaluated on their ability to complete critical tasks (e.g., collecting urine sample, transferring urine to sample tube) and essential tasks (e.g., opening kit, inspecting contents, applying mailing label). Results Across all participants, the mean score for the ease of use of the sC kit was 4.6 out of 5 (SD = 0.52), and the instructional materials scored an average of 4.5 out of 5 (SD = 0.61). The pass rate for critical tasks ranged from 94.4% to 100.0%, while the pass rate for essential tasks ranged from 86.2% to 100.0% across all age groups. The older adult group had the widest range for critical and essential tasks, with ranges of 88.9% to 100.0% and 78.8% to 100.0%, respectively. The adolescent group had the narrowest range for critical and essential tasks, with ranges of 96.2% to 100.0% and 86.8% to 100.0%. Conclusion The sC kit demonstrated high usability across all age groups, with participants successfully completing both critical and essential tasks. The kit design and instructional materials were well-received, with high mean scores for ease of use. While older adults showed slightly lower pass rates, the kit remains accessible overall. These findings support the potential of the sC kit as a convenient option for STI testing at home.