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.

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. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.