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Research article
Ei T Aung
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2560-3233
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: Studies show men who have sex with men (MSM) practising receptive anal sex are more likely to present with secondary syphilis, suggesting anorectal primary lesions are being missed. Regular anal self-examination might be able to detect anorectal syphilis lesions, hence potentially reducing transmission. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of MSM on performing anal self-examination to detect primary syphilis.
Methods: In this qualitative study, 20 MSM over 18 years of age were purposively sampled from a sexual health clinic to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed thematically.
Results: Four major themes and 12 sub-themes emerged from the study: (1) reasons for performing anal self-examination, (2) preferred resources for anal self-examination, (3) attitudes towards partner anal examination, and (4) acceptability of anal self-examination.
Most participants had performed some form of anal self-examination in the past, and, just over half performed regularly for mostly health-related concerns. Most participants who infrequently or never performed anal self-examination were agreeable to perform regularly if it was recommended by health professionals with appropriate guidance. Participants preferred education on anal self-examination from health professionals and trusted online learning resources.
Conclusion: Our study showed MSM were agreeable to anal self-examination however would like to receive education and training to gain more confidence in conducting anal self-examination as a screening tool. Further studies are required to explore the adherence and acceptability of anal self-examination for syphilis prior to studies examining efficacy.
Policy implications: The study provides foundation for any future policy aiming at utilising anal self-examination as a screening tool for syphilis among MSM.
Keywords
Anal self-examination, anal syphilis, screening for anal syphilis, syphilis in MSM
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Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 05 Apr, 2021
No community comments so far
Review #1 received
Received 19 Apr, 2021
Reviewer #1 agreed
On 31 Mar, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 30 Mar, 2021
Editor assigned
On 28 Mar, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 28 Mar, 2021
Editor invited
On 28 Mar, 2021
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Subject Areas
Infectious Diseases
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A new preprint design is coming!
We have improved readability, clarity, accessibility, and opportunities for engagement.
This preprint is under consideration at BMC Infectious Diseases. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research article
Ei T Aung
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2560-3233
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 05 Apr, 2021
No community comments so far
Review #1 received
Received 19 Apr, 2021
Reviewer #1 agreed
On 31 Mar, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 30 Mar, 2021
Editor assigned
On 28 Mar, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 28 Mar, 2021
Editor invited
On 28 Mar, 2021
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Subject Areas
Infectious Diseases
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: Studies show men who have sex with men (MSM) practising receptive anal sex are more likely to present with secondary syphilis, suggesting anorectal primary lesions are being missed. Regular anal self-examination might be able to detect anorectal syphilis lesions, hence potentially reducing transmission. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of MSM on performing anal self-examination to detect primary syphilis.
Methods: In this qualitative study, 20 MSM over 18 years of age were purposively sampled from a sexual health clinic to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed thematically.
Results: Four major themes and 12 sub-themes emerged from the study: (1) reasons for performing anal self-examination, (2) preferred resources for anal self-examination, (3) attitudes towards partner anal examination, and (4) acceptability of anal self-examination.
Most participants had performed some form of anal self-examination in the past, and, just over half performed regularly for mostly health-related concerns. Most participants who infrequently or never performed anal self-examination were agreeable to perform regularly if it was recommended by health professionals with appropriate guidance. Participants preferred education on anal self-examination from health professionals and trusted online learning resources.
Conclusion: Our study showed MSM were agreeable to anal self-examination however would like to receive education and training to gain more confidence in conducting anal self-examination as a screening tool. Further studies are required to explore the adherence and acceptability of anal self-examination for syphilis prior to studies examining efficacy.
Policy implications: The study provides foundation for any future policy aiming at utilising anal self-examination as a screening tool for syphilis among MSM.
Figure 1
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
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