Socio-cultural influences upon knowledge of sexually transmitted infections : a qualitative study with heterosexual middle-aged adults in Scotland

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Dalrymple, Jenny and Booth, Joanne and Flowers, Paul and Hinchliff, Sharron and Lorimer, Karen (2016) Socio-cultural influences upon knowledge of sexually transmitted infections : a qualitative study with heterosexual middle-aged adults in Scotland. Reproductive Health Matters: An international journal on sexual and reproductive health and rights, 24 (48). pp. 34-42. ISSN 1460-9576 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rhm.2016.10.003)

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Abstract

There has been a recent global increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV among adults aged over 45. Limited evidence exists regarding middle-aged adults’ knowledge of STIs other than HIV. This qualitative study sought to understand middle-aged adults’ knowledge of STIs within a socio-cultural context. Individual interviews, based on a life-course approach, were conducted with 31 recently sexually active heterosexual men and women. Participants were aged between 45 and 65 and of mixed relationship status (14 were single, 17 in a relationship). Thematic analysis identified four key findings, including: “engagement with STI-related knowledge”; “general knowledge of STIs”; “learning about STIs from children”; and “limited application of knowledge”. The findings allow insight into a neglected area, and indicate that socio-cultural factors influence middle-aged adults’ STI-related knowledge acquisition throughout the life course. These are important implications for the prevention of STIs, particularly in addressing the on-going stigmatisation of STIs in older age groups.

ORCID iDs

Dalrymple, Jenny, Booth, Joanne, Flowers, Paul ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6239-5616, Hinchliff, Sharron and Lorimer, Karen;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)