JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Young people aged 16-24 years are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs can have serious health consequences for affected individuals and the estimated annual cost of treatment to the NHS is £620 million. Accordingly the UK government has made reducing the rates of STIs amongst this group priority. A missed opportunity to intervene to increase condom use is when young people obtain self-sampling kits for STIs via the internet.

Objective:

To develop, for 16-24 years olds accessing chlamydia self-sampling websites, a theory-based tailored intervention to increase condom use.

Methods:

The intervention (Wrapped) was developed using Intervention Mapping and was co-designed with young people. The following steps were performed: 1) identification of important determinants of condom use and evidence of their ‘changeability’ using computer/digital interventions, 2) setting intervention goal, performance objectives and change objectives, 3) identification of suihaviour Change Principles (BCPs) and practical strategies to target these determinants, and 4) development of intervention materials able to deliver the BCPs and practical strategies.

Results:

Users of existing chlamydia self-sampling websites are signposted to Wrapped after placing an order for a sampling kit. Salient barriers to condom use are identified by each user and relevant intervention components allocated to target these. The components include: 1) a sample box of condoms, 2) an online condom distribution service, 3) a product for carrying condoms, 4) a condom demonstration video, 5) a series of videos on communication about condom use, and 6) erotic films of real couples discussing and demonstrating condom use.

Conclusions:

This intervention will be directed at young people who may be particularly receptive to messages and support for behaviour change due to their testing status.