BackgroundYouth are a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To increase access to STI testing, convenient approaches for sampling and testing are needed. We assessed the acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs (SCVS) for STI testing among young women (16–24 years) attending a community-based sexual and reproductive health service in Zimbabwe.MethodsA SCVS was used for point-of-care testing forTrichomonas vaginalisand a urine sample for testing forChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeae. A questionnaire was administered to investigate the acceptability of SCVS versus self-collected urine samples. In-depth interviews (IDIs) explored the experience of SCVS and reasons for sample collection preference. Qualitative analysis was predominantly deductive.ResultsWe recruited 129 women who took up STI testing (median age 20 years, IQR 18–22 years) and conducted 12 IDIs. Most participants reported that they understood the instructions (93.0%) and found SCVS easy (90.7%). Many participants felt relaxed (93.0%), in control (88.4%) and that they had enough privacy (90.7%). Pain or discomfort were reported by 16.3% and embarrassment by 15.5%. Among the 92 (71.3%) participants who provided both a SCVS and urine sample, 60.9% preferred SCVS. Sample collection method preferences were similar between 16–19 and 20–24year-olds. In IDIs, clear instructions, privacy, trust in the service and same-day results were perceived as important facilitators to taking up SCVS. Participants frequently described feeling relaxed and confident whilst taking a SCVS. Pain and discomfort were uncommon experiences.ConclusionsSCVS for STI testing are acceptable to young women and a feasible method of sample collection in community-based settings.