Socially damaged women's perception of sexually transmitted infections: A Qualitative study (original) (raw)
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Barriers to Condom use Among Socially Damaged Women: A Qualitative Study in Iran
Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia, 2014
One of the most effective strategies to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is use of condom, but obstacles to its use in high-risk groups have not yet been fully understood. The main objective of our study is to evaluate barriers to condom use among "Socially damaged women" (SDW). A qualitative method was utilized. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) and eighteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with SDW, 15-45 years old, at shelters and harm-reduction drop-in-centers in Tehran, Iran. Data was analyzed using the content analysis approach. All women in the study were sexually active and most of them were divorced. They all had primary school education at a minimum, and a limited knowledge of HIV and STIs, yet the rate of condom use in these high-risk groups are low. The most common obstacles to consistent condom use among "SDW" included misperception, low perceived sensitivity and self-efficacy partner objections. Hence, preventions strategies based on increasing knowledge about STIs and condom use, self-efficacy, perceived sensitivity must be designed and improvised to induce condom use. These data will be useful in designing and improving STIs prevention outreach programs in Iran.
Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research
Background: The first step in health education is awareness of the people and their acceptance to change their behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of empowerment program towards the concept of self-care and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women at risk of STDs. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a qualitative approach (step of action and observation of an action) by using conventional content analysis method. An empowerment program regarding STDs (Action) was performed among 32 (with convenient sample) drug user women with addicted husbands referring to the counseling center for vulnerable women (drop in enter) in Isfahan in 2015. The knowledge of quiddity, transmission, and prevention of STDs, as well as some items of life skills such as self-awareness, interpersonal communication, and assertive behavior were taught in an educational program. Teaching methods were lectures, group, and individual training and role play. The impact of the program on modified belief and behavior change regarding STDs was evaluated with structured interviews. Results: Analysis of the obtained results yielded three categories. The categories were awareness of STD, believing in being at risk, and decision and change. Conclusions: Promoting self-care and prevention through education programs based on action research can make a significant reduction in the incidence of problems and cause a behavior change in women with the disease or those at risk for STDs.
Women ’ s perception of their vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted
2020
Objective: To analyze the perception of women regarding their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections. Method: This is an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach, developed between August 2018 and October 2019, in a Primary Healthcare Unit. Eight women, aged between 21 and 44 years participated in the study with previous history of sexually transmitted infections. The data collected with semi-structured interviews were submitted to thematic analysis proposed by Bardin. Results: There is low perception and disregard by women about their condition of vulnerability to these infections. They believe that the possibility of acquiring them is related to behaviors considered deviant, being likely in the life of those who do not experience a stable relationship. Conclusion and Implications for the practice: The main challenge is to overcome situations experienced by women that enhance their vulnerabilities generated by mistakes and misconceptions. It is necess...
BACKGROUND: The female at-risk population represents a subgroup that is both a crucial determining factor in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) transmission and a gap in the existing literature in Iran. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of sex workers' knowledge towards to safe procedures of sexually transmitted infection and AIDS prevention as well as attitudes towards AIDS.METHODS: A sample of 256 female sex workers working in Tehran was obtained by a variety of methods. Appropriate questions for the assessment of knowledge and attitude were developed based on previous studies.RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 26.8 ± 6.1 years (ranging from 16 to 45). Methods of transmission were widely recognized, despite the exception that few realized oral (23.4%) and anal (44.9%) intercourse as methods of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Most subjects knew that AIDS currently has no cure (81.2%) and no vaccine (73.4%). Most also acknowledged that HIV is transmissible from people who do not know they are HIV positive (59.4%), proper condom use can reduce the possibility of infection (78.1%), and so can having a single sexual partner (68.8%). Of the participants, 43.4% knew that an HIV-positive person can seem perfectly healthy.CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge towards sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and condom use is still inadequate, especially regarding risky behaviors such as anal sex, and attitudes are mainly negative. Identifying at-risk populations, HIV-positive sex workers, education and campaigns to change the attitudes towards AIDS should be regarded a high priority in Iran.
Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal , 2023
Rise in the rate of STI cases in the Philippines has been tremendously seen throughout the past few years. In regards to this, it appears that there is a persisting stigma associated with STIs, which has significant effects on spreading awareness and acquiring knowledge about the issue at hand. In relation to this, the study aimed to assess the respondents' knowledge regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and their lived experiences.The researchers used a convenient sampling method and limited it to the people who acquired, recovered from, or were undergoing medical treatment in STIs, and who lived in the province of Rizal. A total of six (6) respondents were gathered by the means of a 'call for respondents' poster in social media, specifically, Facebook. Then the researchers use a mixed method using a structured modified questionnaire and semistructured interview to assess the knowledge level of the respondents on STIs.After garnering data, results showed that unprotected sex is the most prominent mode of transmission that each respondent has done before acquiring STI. In general, respondents have a "Moderate" knowledge level on STIs with an MPS of 65.28% (f=235).Therefore, the results indicate that the individuals' knowledge regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is significant to their lived experiences by the assessment of the respondents' knowledge. Furthermore, information dissemination, education, and counseling can substantially improve people's ability to recognize the symptoms of STIs, increase their likelihood of seeking treatment, and encourage a sexual partner to do the same.
Woman's Sexual Health Knowledge and Needs Assessment in Behavioral Clinics and Shelters in Tehran
Journal of Family & Reproductive Health, 2019
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the sexual health knowledge among females seeking consultation in behavioral clinics or shelters with emphasis on sexual routs of HIV transmission. Materials and methods: In this study 250 women who have attended behavioral clinics or shelters in Tehran were recruited and a standardized questionnaire which asked about demographics, sexual partner and knowledge about HIV/STDs was used. Results: The median age of our cases was 40.82% and among them 16% were married but lived alone. Among the total 250 cases, 56% (140) were sexually active in the last 30 days, 19.2% (48) had a history of a one-night stand and 2.4% had more than 1 sexual partner. 212 cases answered questions about condom use, 60% (127) of them did not use condoms at all. For knowledge about signs and symptoms related to STDs, 63% believed that abdominal pain has no relation to STDs. Also 44%, 43%, 37%,and 40% believed that dyspareunia, dysuria, malodorous vaginal discharge ...
Disrupted sense of self: Young women and sexually transmitted infections
Journal of Clinical …, 2010
Aim. This article is an exploration of young women's experiences of having a sexually transmitted infection. Background. Sexually transmitted infections are prevalent worldwide and have serious physical and psychological sequelae. Although some aspects of having sexually transmitted infections have been identified in the literature, the stigmatised nature of these infections means that relatively little is known about the experiential aspects of these conditions. Design. This research used a qualitative feminist approach. Methods. Data were collected in 2007 via online interviews with ten women. Thematic analysis was guided by a feminist narrative technique. Results. Findings revealed the women had not believed themselves to be at risk of sexually transmitted infections because of perceptions they held about the sorts of women who contract these infections. Because these perceptions were incompatible with their self-perceived views, the women initially experienced a disruption in their sense of self. To facilitate the restoration of their previously held sense of self, these women engaged in wishful thinking and denial. Conclusion. This study illuminates how perceptions of sexually transmitted infections influence the way young women perceive themselves in the context of these infections. Awareness of the detrimental impact contracting sexually transmitted infections can have on young women can help nurses to provide services that facilitate positive and effective coping strategies among this group. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses providing care to women with sexually transmitted infections should promote positive coping strategies that could help curb non-disclosure and denial among young women who contract these infections. Education focused on sexually transmitted infections should emphasis that all sexually active individuals are at risk of these infections, which could potentially minimise the shame felt by persons who contract these infections. Further, recognition of the gender issues that limit women's ability to practise safer sex should be incorporated into safer sex education and campaigns.
Disrupted sense of self: young women and sexually transmitted infections: Disrupted sense of self
J Clin Nurs, 2009
Aim. This article is an exploration of young women's experiences of having a sexually transmitted infection. Background. Sexually transmitted infections are prevalent worldwide and have serious physical and psychological sequelae. Although some aspects of having sexually transmitted infections have been identified in the literature, the stigmatised nature of these infections means that relatively little is known about the experiential aspects of these conditions. Design. This research used a qualitative feminist approach. Methods. Data were collected in 2007 via online interviews with ten women. Thematic analysis was guided by a feminist narrative technique. Results. Findings revealed the women had not believed themselves to be at risk of sexually transmitted infections because of perceptions they held about the sorts of women who contract these infections. Because these perceptions were incompatible with their self-perceived views, the women initially experienced a disruption in their sense of self. To facilitate the restoration of their previously held sense of self, these women engaged in wishful thinking and denial. Conclusion. This study illuminates how perceptions of sexually transmitted infections influence the way young women perceive themselves in the context of these infections. Awareness of the detrimental impact contracting sexually transmitted infections can have on young women can help nurses to provide services that facilitate positive and effective coping strategies among this group. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses providing care to women with sexually transmitted infections should promote positive coping strategies that could help curb non-disclosure and denial among young women who contract these infections. Education focused on sexually transmitted infections should emphasis that all sexually active individuals are at risk of these infections, which could potentially minimise the shame felt by persons who contract these infections. Further, recognition of the gender issues that limit women's ability to practise safer sex should be incorporated into safer sex education and campaigns.
Barriers to condom use among women at risk of HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study from Iran
BMC Women's Health, 2012
Background: The growing trend of women infected with HIV through sexual transmission is alarming. Factors influencing condom use have not yet been fully identified, especially in countries with conservative cultures and backgrounds. The present study aimed to explore the barriers of condom use in Iranian women at risk of HIV. Methods: Using the grounded theory methodology, participants' experiences and their perceptions regarding condom were collected during semi structured in depth interviews. Participants were 22 women, aged 21-49 years, considered to be at risk for HIV, due to their own or their partner's sexual behaviors. Qualitative analysis of the data was conducted manually and was guided by constant comparative analysis. Results: Two main barriers, personal and socio-environmental emerged from data analysis. Lack of perceived threat, absence of protective motivation, inadequate knowledge, perceived lack of control, negative attitudes towards condom and misperception were the major personal barriers, while unsupportive environments and cultural norms were the common socio-environmental barriers to condom use among these at risk women. Conclusions: These critical barriers have to be addressed for implementing effective prevention programs against HIV among populations at risk for HIV.
Nursing and midwifery studies, 2018
Background: Homeless women can provide valuable information about the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, in Iran. However, they are not readily accessible for epidemiological studies and hence, there is limited information about HIV infection prevalence among them. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of HIV infection and the perceptions of STIs among homeless women in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014. Participants were 241 homeless women who were recruited through quota sampling from twelve drop-in centers and night shelters affiliated to a local welfare organization in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using the perception of STIs Questionnaire as well as serological testing for HIV infection using DS-EIA-HIV-Ag/Ab-Screen kit (manufactured in Italy). Descriptive statistics measures and the independent-samples t-test were used for data description and analysis. Results: The prevalence of HIV infection was 8.3%. There were significant differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women respecting their overall STI risk perception (P = 0.003) and its two subscales, namely insufficient knowledge (P = 0.007) and inconsistent condom use (P = 0.030). Conclusion: Homeless women have low STI risk perception. Training and counseling programs are necessary to improve their STI-related knowledge, perception, and attitudes.