A feminist exploration of women's experience of having a sexually transmitted infection

Title
A feminist exploration of women's experience of having a sexually transmitted infection
Publication Date
2007
Author(s)
East, Leah
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4757-2706
Email: least@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:least
Peters, Kathleen
O'Brien, Louise
Jackson, Debra
Type of document
Conference Publication
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine
Place of publication
Sydney, Australia
Series
Sexual Health
DOI
10.1071/SHv4n4Ab63
UNE publication id
une:21317
Abstract
Background and objectives: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions of people worldwide and are capable of causing significant physical and psychological harm to individuals and communities. Although STIs can affect any sexually active individual they have more severe consequences for women compared to men, and are capable of causing infant death, infertility, and reproductive cancer. Despite the increasing prevalence of STIs, issues associated with the mental health consequences of these infections remain largely unexplored. However the negative impact on self-esteem and the stigma associated with STIs have been identified as important factors affecting the psychological wellbeing of individuals. This study aims to explore women's experiences and perceptions of having an STI from a feminist perspective. This paper will present initial findings. Methodology: This study utilised a feminist methodology. Data was obtained through qualitative open-ended interviews with the women participants either in person or online and all data was subjected to feminist narrative analysis. Results and conclusion: Data collection and analysis is in progress at the time of abstract submission. It is anticipated that preliminary results will be presented at this sexual health conference. Initial analysis has revealed that stigma, condom negotiation, self-blame, and acceptance/empowerment are major themes within the women participants' stories. This research will contribute to the existing body of literature and provide information to facilitate appropriate care provided by healthcare personnel through gaining insights and understanding into the needs of these women.
Link
Citation
Abstracts from the 2007 Australasian Sexual Health Conference, p. 95-95
ISBN
9781920773489
Start page
95
End page
95

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