High acceptability of online sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing for sexual minority men living in Ontario, Canada

Compared to heterosexuals, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Barriers accessing in-person clinical services experienced by gbMSM, including distance and limited hours, has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Online STBBI testing addresses these barriers, however it is not available in Ontario. We assessed acceptability of online STBBI testing, barriers to clinic-based STBBI testing, and the perceived benefits and drawbacks of this service among gbMSM living in Ontario.

Sex Now 2019 was an online national bilingual cross-sectional survey of gbMSM aged ≥15. Participants were asked on a 5-point scale (very likely – never) how likely would they use an online STBBI testing service. Participants were also asked to select their reasons for delaying STBBI testing and their perceived benefits and drawbacks in using online STBBI testing.

The Ontario sample included n=2375 gbMSM (median age: 38 and 75.4% gay). A third (35.8%) reported no delays in STBBI testing. However, many delayed testing due to being too busy (26.4%) or inconvenient clinic hours (23.9%). Acceptability for online STBBI testing was high: 78.8% reported they would likely use this service. Convenience (61.9%) and saving time (62.7%) were the two most commonly endorsed benefits, while concerns around the privacy of one’s information was the most selected drawback (36.5%).

Acceptability of online STBBI testing was high among a sample of gbMSM living in Ontario. Implementation of this service within the province may address STBBI testing barriers experienced by this population.