(P88) ACCEPTABILITY OF AND PREFERENCE FOR RECTAL SWABS COLLECTION AND SEXUAL BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT MALES SEEKING PRIMARY CARE

Background:
Reluctance to discuss anal sex and collect rectal samples pose barriers to assessing risk and testing for rectal sexually transmitted infection (STI) in male adolescents and young adults (AYA).  Our aim was to assess sexual behavior among AYA males receiving primary care and their attitudes about acceptability of and preference for self- and clinician-collected as well as home- and clinic-based collection of rectal swabs for testing for sexually transmitted infections.

Methods:
Sexually active, self-identified male patients, 14-26 years old, receiving STI testing as part of their primary care visit were eligible to participate. Participants completed structured interview questions assessing types of sexual contact and attitudes about rectal STI sampling. Analysis included descriptive statistics.

Results:
Of the 25 participants completing the study, all were assigned male at birth, the average age was 18.5 years (SD 2.24). Among these, 88% (n=22) reported sex with only women and 8% (n=2) reported sex with only men. Three men (12%) reported receiving anal sex from other men. Self-collection of rectal samples for STI testing was acceptable to 52%, clinician-collection was acceptable to 40%.  All 12 men who reported self-collection to be unacceptable also reported clinician-collection to be unacceptable. A majority reported a preference for self-collection of rectal swabs (88%) versus clinician-collection (12%).  A majority preferred to self-collect specimens at the doctor’s office (76%) versus at home (24%).

Conclusion:
Among AYA men seeking primary care, few reported receptive anal sex. Attitudes about rectal sampling may be a barrier to rectal STI testing in AYA men.