Forum for Nordic Dermato-Venereology Nr1,2019 | Page 10

Dermato-Venereology in the Nordic Countries Attitudes to Risky Behaviour Among Young Adults Treated for Chlamydia at an STI Clinic: A Qualitative Study M argret L indberg 1 , M agnus L indberg 1 , A nn -B ritt I varsson 2 … and A nnsofie A dolfsson 2 Department of Dermato-Venereology, Örebro University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Section of Medical Sciences, and 3 De- partment of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden …Deceased 2016-09-08 1 2 This study describes the attitudes to risk behaviour among patients diagnosed with a chlamydia infection at a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. Qualitative interviews were conducted face to face with 18 participants, aged 18–30 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of chlamydia infection. An interview guide was used and participants described the behaviour that had led to their infection. Qualitative content analysis was performed on the theme of risk. A common denominator among participants was risky behaviour in sexual relations when using alcohol, while very few partici- pants took unnecessary risks in life in general. Of the 18 participants, 16 had been tested for STIs previously, and 10 had previously had an STI. Key words: risk; sexually transmitted infection; young adults; qualitative method; content analysis. Corr: Margret Lindberg, Department of Dermato-Venereology, Örebro University Hospital, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden. E-mail: [email protected]. S exually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in Eu- rope, especially among young adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there were 105.7 million new cases of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) worldwide in 2008; an increase of 4.2 million cases (4.2 %) compared with 2005 (1, 2). CT is the most common STI in Sweden; in 2002 the number of confirmed cases of CT was 24,691, and by 2015 this had increased to 37,809. The largest increase was in the 15–30 year-old age-group (3). improve the health and well-being of populations, reduce health inequalities, strengthen public health and ensure people centred health systems that are universal, equitable, sustainable and of high quality” (6). Society has evolved over recent decades, with a changed worldview, partially due to increased migration and commu- nication opportunities, not least via the Internet, which has opened new opportunities for contact Earlier studies suggest that young people with different groups of people. Research To understand why the number of have an adequate knowledge of STIs. De- has shown that young people today are infections is increasing, we need to spite this, they engage in risky beha­viour, influenced by many different thought systems, through which they find ways understand what individuals think and by not using condoms. of dealing with intimate relationships. feel with regards to their sexual behav- Internet communication encompasses the field of sexuality, iour. The WHO defined health, in a broad sense, in its 1948 bringing both opportunities and risks. It increases a person’s Constitution as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social opportunities to gain knowledge and explore their own sex- well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (4). uality. However, it also increases the risk of meeting people The WHO has also defined sexual health: “Sexual health is a pretending to be other than they really are. We live in a pe- state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation riod of generally higher risk-taking in sexual contexts than to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or previously (7). infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach Love ideology, which connects sexuality with love, has also to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of been changing over many years, with the resulting dissolution having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, of the “romantic love complex” that governs the forms of our discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and intimate relationships. Many people have increasing numbers maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, of sexual relationships during a lifetime, and few now hold protected and fulfilled.” (5). the view that sex should occur only in steady relationships (7). In Europe there is a new policy framework for health and Earlier studies suggest that young people have an adequate well-being, “Health 2020”. This framework aims to support knowledge of STIs. Despite this, they engage in risky beha­ actions across governments and society to “significantly ” 8 Forum for Nord Derm Ven 2019, Vol. 24, No. 1