Promoting self-care and secondary prevention in women's health: A study to test the accuracy of a home self-test system for bacterial vaginosis☆
Received 19 December 2006; received in revised form 13 February 2008; accepted 19 February 2008. published online 15 January 2009.
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), often asymptomatic, is associated with increased gynecologic, obstetric, and neonatal risks. This pilot study examined the use of a nurse researcher-developed home self-test system comprised of three components—education, self-test kit application, and a scoring method—with a volunteer sample of 33 nonpregnant, childbearing-age women. The women accurately self-tested for BV using the system and sought definitive professional diagnosis and treatment. The next phase of research would be with pregnant women at risk for preterm labor and delivery to determine use of the system in an effort to reduce maternal and fetal complications.
aChristine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
bVirginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
Corresponding author. Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA. Tel.: +1 352 391 9488.
☆ This study was funded by a Christine E. Lynn Research Initiative Grant from the Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Select equipment and medication for self-screening and for verifying diagnosis and subsequent treatment of BV of participants were provided by 3M Company.
ABSTRACT