Alaska Targets Efforts to Expand STD Testing Access

IWTK–Alaska’s objective is to increase STD testing among high-risk populations: AI/AN women, people aged 15–29 years, and rural Alaskans. To reach these populations, the program advertised extensively through traditional methods (print and TV) and social media (Facebook and Pandora). The social media advertising was made possible by partnering with the Alaska Division of Public Health for a state-funded social marketing campaign called “Wrap It Up Alaska.” Because of this promotion, the number of kits tested through IWTK–Alaska rose from 186 in fiscal year 2012 to 304 in fiscal year 2014—a 63% increase. Preliminary data indicate that IWTK–Alaska use is increasing among high-risk populations.

Between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2014,

• 1,671 testing kits were ordered by people in 106 communities
• 678 kits were returned for testing, representing 565 people
  • 28% were from AI/ANs, 75% of whom were women
  • 62% were from people aged 15–29 years
  • 45% were from people in rural areas
• 53 chlamydia and 4 gonorrhea cases were identified; one person had both diseases
• 52 of the 53 persons with chlamydia and all 4 persons with gonorrhea were treated
• 25 persons with trichomoniasis were identified, 2 of whom also had chlamydia
• 24 of the 25 persons with trichomoniasis received treatment

The program guides and counsels participants regardless of test results and recommends that they seek further STD and HIV screening. Partners often get tested together, and the program expedites partner therapy for everyone testing positive for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

In implementing IWTK–Alaska, ANTHC learned the following:

• Establishing an at-home STD testing service initially requires significant time and resources to coordinate with all stakeholders and build name recognition, rapport, and program awareness among the target populations. However, as the program grows, maintenance is minimal and costs remain steady. Offering at-home STD testing is a viable solution for overcoming perceived problems of privacy and confidentiality in rural areas, and for people reluctant to seek testing in person at a clinic or doctor’s office.
• Promoting an at-home STD testing service to the target populations requires use of marketing channels that are readily accessible and highly used in rural areas, such as social media. Partnerships with state agencies can support the cost of social marketing campaigns.