The Stigma of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Amy S D Lee; Shameka L Cody

doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2020.05.002

The Stigma of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Nurs Clin North Am. 2020 Sep;55(3):295-305. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2020.05.002. Epub 2020 Jul 15.

Authors

Amy S D Lee¹, Shameka L Cody²

Affiliations

¹ Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, 650 University Boulevard East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA. Electronic address: adlee5@ua.edu.
² Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, 650 University Boulevard East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA.

PMID: 32762851
DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2020.05.002

Abstract

Evidence-based guidelines have improved diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Social stigma remains a barrier to STI testing and is associated with underutilization of prevention services. Alternatives for STI testing (eg, in-home testing) are convenient. However, some individuals decline follow-up treatment in fear of unintentional disclosure of their diagnosis. This article reviews STI treatment guidelines and examines the impact of stigma and ethical issues on testing, adherence, partner notification, and transmission rates. An understanding of STI-associated ethical issues and controversies is an important step toward eliminating stigma and reducing STI prevalence and morbidity.

Keywords: Delayed care; Partner treatment; Provider-patient relationship; Sexually transmitted infections; Stigma.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. / standards
Guidelines as Topic / standards*
HIV Infections / therapy
HIV Infections / transmission
Humans
Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / classification
Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / therapy
Social Stigma*
United States