Sexually Transmitted Infection Knowledge among Older Adults: Psychometrics and Test–Retest Reliability

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) among older adults have dramatically increased in recent years, especially among those who are widowed and divorced. The purposes of this study were to: (1) identify STI-related knowledge among older adults; (2) report the psychometric properties of a tool commonly used to assess STI-related knowledge among younger populations using data from adults 65 years and older; and (3) determine test-retest reliability of the tool. Data were analyzed from 43 adults, aged 65–94 years, using the 27-item Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ). Participants completed identical instruments on two separate days with approximately two weeks between. After responses were coded for correctness, composite scores were created. Cronbach’s reliability coefficients were calculated to determine response consistency, and Pearson’s r coefficients were used to assess test–retest reliability. Of 27 possible correct answers, participants reported an average of 11.47 (±6.88) correct responses on Day 1 and 11.67 (±7.33) correct responses on Day 2. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the 27-item composite scale were high for both days (0.905 and 0.917, respectively), which indicates strong response consistency. Pearson’s r coefficients were high between responses for the 27-item composite scale on Days 1 and 2 (r = 0.882, P < 0.01), which indicates strong test–retest reliability. Pearson’s r coefficients were high between responses for all but three of the 27 items when assessed separately. Findings suggest the utility of the STD-KQ to assess STI knowledge among older adults. However, the consistently low knowledge scores highlight the need for educational interventions among this population.

Differences in infection and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among older adults in Columbus, Ohio

“…Another study noted an increase in the use of condoms among older Black participants reporting multiple sexual partners [ 19 ], suggesting knowledge of how to prevent HIV and STIs. Yet a third study conducted primarily among a sample of older white adults found broadly low knowledge regarding transmission and acquisition risk of HIV and STIs [ 20 ]. While we did not specifically address knowledge or self-perceived risk of HIV/STIs in this study, we did assess prevention methods used by our sample of older adults.…”

Reported Neurologic, Ocular, and Otic Manifestations Among Syphilis Cases—16 States, 2019

“…National surveillance data demonstrate that rates of primary and secondary syphilis have more than doubled for individuals in the 55 to 64 years and 65 years or older age groups over the period of 2015 to 2019 3 . Barriers, such as provider discomfort with asking older adults sexual health questions, and limited sexual health knowledge among older adults, may reduce screening and early detection of sexually transmitted infections in these individuals 28–30 . Among syphilis cases included in our analysis, the increasing reported prevalence of neurologic, ocular, and otic manifestations with age could be explained by factors, such as longer duration of unrecognized infection with T. pallidum , more frequent health care visits for other underlying comorbidities that increase opportunities for detection, or better access to health care among those eligible for Medicare.…”

Impact of screening on cervical cancer incidence and mortality in a Northern Brazilian city

“…In this context, it is worth noting that the number of seniors who acquire sexually transmitted infections has increased in several countries around the world, especially those in development, due to lack of knowledge, unsafe sexual practice and the taboo that encourages social prejudice related to sexuality in the elderly, which ultimately make this population vulnerable to diseases [31].…”