TY - JOUR
T1 - Relationships between perceived STD-related stigma, STD-related shame and STD screening among a household sample of adolescents
AU - Cunningham, Shayna D.
AU - Kerrigan, Deanna L.
AU - Jennings, Jacky M.
AU - Ellen, Jonathan M.
PY - 2009/12
Y1 - 2009/12
N2 - CONTEXT: Important barriers to STD testing may include individuals' perceptions of STD-related stigma (negative societal attitudes toward STD infection) and expectations of STD-related shame (negative personal feelings) that would result from a positive STD test. Obtaining a clear understanding of the relationship between STD-related stigma, STD-related shame and STD testing may help inform programs and policies aimed at reducing STD transmission. METHODS: Measures derived from previously published scales were used to assess perceived STD-related stigma, anticipated STD-related shame and receipt of an STD test in the past year in an urban, household sample of 594 exually active 15-24-year-olds interviewed in 2004-2007. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between recent STD testing and perceived stigma, shame and other participant characteristics. RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent of males and 70% of females reporting having had an STD test in the past year; the largest proportions of tests (42% among males and 59% among females) had occurred in the context of a routine health care visit, not because adolescents had had disease symptoms or were concerned about exposure to infection. For both males and females, the level of STD-related stigma was negatively associated with the odds of having been tested (odds ratio, 0.5 for each). STD-related shame was not related to STD testing. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who view STDs as stigmatizing have a reduced likelihood of being screened, but it is unclear whether this relationship refl ects their care seeking or providers' practice of off ering STD screening at a routine health visit.
AB - CONTEXT: Important barriers to STD testing may include individuals' perceptions of STD-related stigma (negative societal attitudes toward STD infection) and expectations of STD-related shame (negative personal feelings) that would result from a positive STD test. Obtaining a clear understanding of the relationship between STD-related stigma, STD-related shame and STD testing may help inform programs and policies aimed at reducing STD transmission. METHODS: Measures derived from previously published scales were used to assess perceived STD-related stigma, anticipated STD-related shame and receipt of an STD test in the past year in an urban, household sample of 594 exually active 15-24-year-olds interviewed in 2004-2007. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between recent STD testing and perceived stigma, shame and other participant characteristics. RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent of males and 70% of females reporting having had an STD test in the past year; the largest proportions of tests (42% among males and 59% among females) had occurred in the context of a routine health care visit, not because adolescents had had disease symptoms or were concerned about exposure to infection. For both males and females, the level of STD-related stigma was negatively associated with the odds of having been tested (odds ratio, 0.5 for each). STD-related shame was not related to STD testing. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who view STDs as stigmatizing have a reduced likelihood of being screened, but it is unclear whether this relationship refl ects their care seeking or providers' practice of off ering STD screening at a routine health visit.
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U2 - 10.1363/4122509
DO - 10.1363/4122509
M3 - Article
C2 - 20444177
AN - SCOPUS:71749110548
VL - 41
SP - 225
EP - 230
JO - Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
JF - Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
SN - 1538-6341
IS - 4
ER -