Implemented by the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP), the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) is an ongoing, open community-based cohort of residents aged 15–49 years in agrarian communities, semi-urban trading centers and Lake Victoria fishing communities in south-central Uganda.
25 (link) The RCCS includes the administration of a demographic and health questionnaire, as well as HIV testing for all consenting participants. Nested within the RCCS, the STI Prevalence Study (STIPS) aimed to estimate STI prevalence among 1,825 sexually active HIV+ and HIV- men and women aged 18–49 years in two communities (one inland and one fishing), from May to October 2019.
26 (link) STIPS participants were tested for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) (in the field), syphilis (screening in the field; samples tested in the lab), N. gonorrhoeae (NG), C. trachomatis (CT), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) (samples tested in the lab). To this end, three provider-collected penile-meatal swabs were obtained for all male STIPS participants who consented to STI testing. Because we were interested in men’s experience with SCS, a fourth, self-collected swab was obtained from a sub-sample of men (n=40); it is from this sub-sample that we recruited the male study participants for our qualitative interviews (n=15). Three self-collected vaginal swabs were obtained for all female STIPS participants who consented to STI testing (provider-collected samples were not obtained for females); it is from this sample that we recruited the female study participants for our qualitative interviews (n=21). All participants who self-collected samples received instructions from a same-gender provider before sample collection and were then given privacy to self-collect. Interviews were conducted after participants received their HIV, TV and syphilis screening results but before their NG, CT and HSV-2 results. Individuals who tested positive for STIs were provided treatment by RHSP according to the Ugandan National Clinical Treatment Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
This qualitative study was conducted among 36 adults—15 men and 21 women—from the STIPS rural, inland community who self-collected a sample in STIPS. We selected participants based on gender and self-reported symptom status, with 9/15 (60%) men and 15/21 (71%) women reporting at least one STI-related symptom in the last six months. Symptoms included: genital ulcer, genital discharge, frequent urination, painful urination, pain during intercourse, bleeding during intercourse, lower abdominal pain, genital warts, and for females: thick and/or colored vaginal discharge, vaginal itching and unpleasant vaginal odor. We conducted semi-structured interviews that explored participants’ experiences and preferences related to SCS/STI testing. Interviews were conducted in a private location of the participant’s choosing. RHSP social and behavioral scientists conducted all interviews in Luganda. The interviewers and study lead debriefed after each interview.
Interviewers transcribed and translated interviews into English. We then imported the data into MAXQDA 2018
27 for review and initial analysis. Our analysis methods were adapted from the Framework Method.
28 (link) First, we reviewed the interviews in MAXQDA to familiarize ourselves with the data. Second, we developed an analytic framework comprised of categories that were informed by our interview guide and research questions. We used this framework to index the interviews. Third, after all interviews were indexed, we charted the data into a framework matrix in Excel. Fourth, we conducted open-ended coding, followed by focused coding,
29 to identify prominent themes within each category. Prominent themes were defined by the depth of discussion any one participant provided on the topic, prevalence across participants and ‘keyness’ in relation to our research questions.
30 (link) Fifth, we compared the themes by gender and symptom status to assess for any meaningful differences. Finally, we discussed our findings among the research team, including interviewers and co-investigators, to ensure clarity and cohesion.
Ogale Y.P., Grabowski M.K., Nabakka P., Ddaaki W., Nakubulwa R., Nakyanjo N., Nalugoda F., Kagaayi J., Kigozi G., Denison J.A., Gaydos C, & Kennedy C.E. (2023). The Acceptability of Self-Collected Samples for STI Testing: A Qualitative Study Among Adults in Rakai, Uganda. medRxiv.