Barriers to sexually transmitted infection testing in New Zealand: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the barriers that prevent or delay people seeking a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test.MethodsQualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 university students, who are a group prone to behaviours putting them at risk of STIs, to understand the factors that had prevented or delayed them from going for an STI test in the past. Resulting data were thematically analysed employing a qualitative content analysis method, and a final set of themes identified.ResultsThere were three main types of barrier to STI testing. These were: personal (underestimating risk, perceiving STIs as not serious, fear of invasive procedure, self-consciousness in genital examination and being too busy); structural (financial cost of test and clinician attributes and attitude); and social (concern of being stigmatised).Conclusions and implications for public healthThese data will help health providers and policy-makers provide services that minimise barriers and develop effective strategies for improving STI testing rates. The results of this study suggest a holistic approach to encouraging testing is required, which includes addressing personal beliefs, working with healthcare providers to minimise structural barriers and developing initiatives to change social views about STIs.

Sexual health practices of 16 to 19 year olds in New Zealand: an exploratory study

“…2 Although these patterns of disease prevalence are similar to those of other western nations, NZ rates are frequently substantially higher. [3][4][5] A dominant assumption in medical research is that most young people are exclusively heterosexual and engage in penis-in-vagina sex to the exclusion of other sexual activities. 6 However, recent international research indicates that young people today engage in a wide range of sexual practices including oral sex, anal sex and sex toy use, regardless of how they identify their sexuality.…”

Considérations portant sur les taux croissants de gonorrhée et de gonorrhée résistante aux médicaments : il n’y a pas de temps à perdre

“…Ils peuvent avoir l'impression que ces infections transmissibles sexuellement ne sont pas graves, craindre devoir subir des procédures invasives ou se sentir gênés à l'idée de passer un examen génital. D'autres obstacles, tels que les attitudes perçues ou anticipées des professionnels de la santé et du personnel de la clinique, peuvent donner à ces personnes l'impression qu'elles sont jugées et victimes de discrimination (37,38 Recommandations pour la prise de mesures À la lumière de l'émergence récente de nouvelles souches résistantes aux options de traitement de première ligne qui nous restent, les cliniciens et les professionnels de la santé publique de première ligne peuvent procéder de quatre façons. Le dépistage est particulièrement important au cours de la grossesse, car l'infection non traitée peut causer une grave maladie chez le nouveau-né.…”

“…On signale, par exemple, que seulement 49 % à 70 % des hommes gais, bisexuels et HARSAH ont divulgué aux médecins leur orientation sexuelle(39,40). En dernier lieu, des barrières sociales s'érigent lorsque le patient craint d'être rejeté par ses pairs (stigmatisation) dès qu'ils sauront qu'il aura subi un test sur les infections transmissibles sexuellement(37).Les professionnels de la santé peuvent ne pas offrir de tests de dépistage. Ceux qui ne traitent ou ne gèrent pas fréquemment les infections transmissibles sexuellement peuvent ignorer comment et quand il convient de faire le test de dépistage des ITS, et que faire en cas de résultat positif.…”

Factors that influence Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance and transmission in Australia

“…Clifton and colleagues propose that there are a multitude of factors including social, environmental and individual-level factors that could influence risk taking behaviours (255). Denison et al further explored the perceived barriers in STI testing (256). Findings from the investigation included that the perception of STIs like gonorrhoea or chlamydia were not a cause for serious concern as they were readily treatable.…”

“…Moreover, most individuals had limited knowledge of testing procedures prior to their first clinic visit and thought it may be invasive. Stigmatisation was also considered a major barrier for STI testing, with a key issue being having to inform current and recent sexual partners (256). These perceptions for both STI risks and testing highlight the complexity of trying to control the dissemination of STIs from a public health point of view.…”