Are Clinicians Open to Less Asymptomatic STI Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men and the Possibility of Not Treating Positive Diagnoses? A Qualitative Study from Australia

Abstract

Evidence from real-world studies suggests that 3-monthly screening for asymptomatic chlamydia/gonorrhea is not reducing incidence and is driving increased antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While some countries are recommending less screening, changes to guidelines require clinician buy-in. This study explored the views of Australian sexual health clinicians on changing practices around asymptomatic screening for chlamydia/gonorrhea in gay, bisexual, and other men-who-have-sex-with-men and attitudes to not automatically treating positive diagnoses. Between September and December 2024, we conducted thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 12 physicians (including 8..