Offering free STI tests in vending machines ‘vital part of the jigsaw’ in tackling soaring infection rates

VENDING machines with free STI tests could help tackle soaring infection levels, a study suggests.

Offering kits in the machines helped drive uptake, particularly in young people and those “who find current methods inaccessible”, British researchers found.

GettyVending machines offering free STI tests could tackle soaring rates of illnesses like gonorrhoea (pictured), a study suggests[/caption]

The machines could become a “piece of a much bigger jigsaw” to improve HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing rates in the UK, experts said.

Dr Syra Dhillon, of Whittington Health NHS Trust, who lead the study, said the vending machines were a “great initiative”.

She said: “Some people find that seeking testing at clinics or via a GP can be embarrassing or time consuming.

“For a lot of people in the UK, receiving a test kit through the post to a home address is not feasible.

“As part of this study we also conducted user interviews. People really like the confidentiality, speed and convenience aspects of the machines.

“I think we need to consider a cost analysis as a next step and, if that is beneficial, then I’d love to see a national rollout of these vending machines.”

Britain’s STI boom

Latest UK Health Security Agency figures show gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reached their highest level on record in 2022.

Some 82,592 Brits had gonorrhoea in 2022, up 50.6 per cent on the previous year and the highest number since 1918.

The STI causes a burning sensation when you pee, and can also lead to green or yellow fluid coming out your penis or discharge in a vagina.

Syphilis cases increased to 8,692 during the year — the largest annual number since just after the Second World War.

It can cause sores around your genitals or anus, as well as around the mouth or lips.

Health bosses warned Brits with new or casual partners to use condoms and get tested regularly.

There were nearly 2.2million sexual health tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis or HIV in 2022, up nearly 13.4 per cent compared to 2021.

HIV cases have been on the decline in Britain, with the number of new cases in gay and bisexual men falling 42 per cent from 1,239 to 724 between 2019 and 2022.

The study, published in the medical journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, looked at data from 11 vending machines set up across Brighton and Bristol for a year.

The machines contained STI kits and separate HIV tests.

To obtain a test, people had to answer six questions — including about their age, gender and the time since their last test — and enter a code sent to their mobile phone.

Some 2,536 kits were dispensed over 12 months, with the STI kits proving most popular, making up nearly three quarters of vends.

Some 78 per cent of kits dispensed were to people aged 16 to 35 and 56 per cent were to men.

Overall, 59 per cent of users had never tested for HIV and STIs before getting the test.

About half of STI kits were returned via post, which researchers said was lower than the local online service, which was 65 per cent.

However, analysis of 208 user questionnaires showed people liked the instant access offered by the vending machines, together with the fact the service was more confidential.

Some 92 per cent of people thought the machines were user-friendly and 97 per cent said they would recommend the service to a friend.

Marc Tweed, of the Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton and Hove, said: “It’s great news that these sexual health vending machines are reaching some of those who wouldn’t test otherwise.

“In Brighton and Hove, they’re a preferred option for people who are less likely to go to a sexual health clinic or may not want a test to be delivered at home.

“Putting vending machines in spaces like libraries and universities helps to normalise sexual health testing, but the issues raised by users around safety and privacy need to be negotiated to ensure people feel comfortable enough to use them.

“Initiatives like vending machines must also be a piece of a much bigger jigsaw to proactively increase testing for STIs and HIV, including National HIV Testing Week which starts on Monday.”

Mr Tweed called for continued investment in sexual health services, adding: “We need a vision from the Government for tackling soaring STIs and improving the nation’s sexual health — and the funding to do so.”