Understanding to acceptability and perceived benefits and harms of reducing screening frequency for STIs among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

Currently three-monthly screening for STIs is recommended for all GBMSM who are having condomless sex or new sexual partners. A robust evidence-base for this recommendation is lacking. However, quarterly screening does detect large numbers of asymptomatic infections that would otherwise go undetected. Ongoing debate internationally is questioning the benefits of detecting and treating asymptomatic chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections among GBMSM (most of these infections will not cause physical morbidity) and suggests that this approach is leading to harm, most importantly, as acceleration of AMR among key pathogens. Several countries are now recommending a reduced frequency of screening as a result. The acceptability of this approach among key stakeholders including GBMSM is not known. We will conduct qualitative interviews with key stakeholders to understand the acceptability, and perceived benefits and harms of reducing the screening frequency for asymptomatic STIs among GBMSM.

Findings will provide insights to guide the national response to STI prevention, clinical practice and public health policy.