B. Duncan et al., Qualitative analysis of psychosocial impact of diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis: implications for screening, BR MED J, 322(7280), 2001, pp. 195-199
Citations number
14
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine","Medical Research General Topics
Objectives To investigate the psychosocial impact for women of a diagnosis
of Chlamydia trachomatis and discuss the implications for the proposed UK c
hlamydia screening programme.
Design Qualitative study with semistructured intel views. Interview transcr
ipts analysed to identify recurrent themes.
Participants Seventeen women with a current or recent diagnosis of chlamydi
a
Setting A family planning clinic and a genitourinary medicine clinic in Gla
sgow.
Results Three themes were identified: perceptions of stigma associated with
sexually transmitted infection, uncertainty about reproductive health afte
r diagnosis, and anxieties regarding partner's reaction to diagnosis, Most
women had not previously perceived sexually transmitted infections as perso
nally relevant; this was a function of stereotypical beliefs about who was
"at risk" of sexually transmitted infection. These beliefs were pervasive a
ns negatively affected reactions to diagnosis and produced anxiety about di
sclosure of the condition to others (particularly) sexual partners) and fut
ure reproductive morbidity. This anxiety, given the uncertain natural histo
ry of chlamydia, may prove difficult to dispel.
Conclusions There are three primary areas of concern for women after a diag
nosis of chlamydia which need to be examined in the proposed screening prog
ramme. Information provided should normalise and destigmatise chlamydial in
fection and positively promote genitourinary medicine services. Support ser
vices should be available because notification of partner can cause anxiety
. Uncertainty about future reproductive morbidity may be inevitable; staff
providing screening will require guidance in providing advice under such co
nditions.