Population Burden of STI and Implication for Intervention in Hong Kong

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This is a 5-year cross-disciplinary sexually transmitted infection (STI) project involving a) territory-wide and community-based studies (survey and specimen collection); b) simulation of STI transmission dynamics and comparison of STI intervention strategies through mathematical modelling and cost-effectiveness analysis. The aim of this project is to assess the burden and the transmission dynamics of STIs in the general population and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong. Around 1300 sexually experienced adults and 900 MSM would be recruited, 100 participants would be invited for individual in-depth interviews. Main outcome measures include STI history and service preference, effectiveness as measured by the proportion of new STI infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and human papillomavirus infections) averted above base-case scenario, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Detailed Description
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After completion of baseline questionnaire, the participants are invitied for STI self-sampling. If agree, a package of self-sampling kits, instructions, and packaging materials for return post would be delivered to their selected collection points. The second round of self-sampling would be offered at least one year from the first round of self-sampled specimens collected.

Official Title
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Population Burden of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Implication for Intervention in Hong Kong

Conditions
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STI

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: self-sampling kits for STI testing in laboratory


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: aged 18 or above ever having sex normally living in Hong Kong can communicate in English or Chinese Exclusion Criteria: failed to provide consent

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| General population<br>sexually experienced adults (aged 18 or above) of the randomly selected household | Other: self-sampling kits for STI testing in laboratory<br>* participants in both groups will receive self-sampling kits and deliver the collected samples to laboratory for testing<br>|
| men who have sex with men<br>men who have sex with men aged 18 or above and normally living in Hong Kong | Other: self-sampling kits for STI testing in laboratory<br>* participants in both groups will receive self-sampling kits and deliver the collected samples to laboratory for testing<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| self-reported STI diagnosis in questionnaire | number of STI diagnosis | up to 2 years | 
| effectiveness of STI intervention strategies | incremental cost-effectiveness ratio | 10 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| STI symptom reported in questionnaire | types of symptom presentations | 12 months | 
| willingness to pay for STI testing reported in questionnaire | willingness to pay (HKD) | 12 months | 
| prevalence of STI estimated through laboratory testing | prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and human papillomavirus infections from self-collected samples | 12 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, human papillomavirus, men who have sex with men, general population