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

摘要

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