1661. Using Social Media to Enhance an STI Screening Program in Wuhan, China

BACKGROUND: 357 million people between the ages of 19 and 49 are infected each year with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Wuhan, China is a unique setting for STI intervention as it has over 900,000 college students, a population at high risk for contracting HIV. Cultural attitudes toward premarital sex and homosexuality and poor sexual education are barriers to lowering STI rates. Additionally, 90% of Chinese healthcare is provided at large public hospitals with minimal privacy. Anonymous STI screening outside of the public hospital setting is highly desired by young adults and MSM populations. METHODS: Study investigators partnered with dating app Blued to advertise a nontraditional testing site where high-risk individuals were offered anonymous STI/HIV screening. With the assistance of the regional CDC and a community-based organization (CBO), rapid STI results were provided in a convenient and nonjudgmental setting. Information on sexual behavior and knowledge of STIs was surveyed for future public health interventions. RESULTS: Of 200 individuals screened for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, 51 (25.5%) had a positive test result. Over 10% of rectal and pharyngeal tests were positive, compared with 1% of urine tests. 3/200 (1.5%) of had positive rapid HIV test results; all were connected to treatment. Among 41 (20.5%) who learned about the study through Blued, STI prevalence was higher (31.7% vs. 23.9%, P = 0.3), compared with participants recruited through advertisement by the CBO. Most (67.5%) identified as MSM. Survey data confirmed low underlying knowledge of STI transmission and risk factors, especially regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). CONCLUSION: A discreet screening service at a nontraditional site, facilitated through dating application and social media advertisement, was well received by young adult and MSM communities in Wuhan, China. Triple-site STI screening found a significant number of infections among this population and should be routinely offered by public health services. The use of real-time, convenient diagnostic testing presents an opportunity to lower HIV incidence in Wuhan, a city with a large at-risk population. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.