Sevencan, F İl Sağlık Müdürlüğü - Bulaşıcı Hastalıklar Birimi, Turkey , Aslan, D Hacettepe Üniversitesi - Tıp Fakültesi - Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı, Turkey , Akın, A Başkent Üniversitesi - Tıp Fakültesi - Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı, Turkey , Akın, L Hacettepe Üniversitesi - Tıp Fakültesi - Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı, Turkey

The determination of individuals’ thoughts about stigma and approaches to the use of health services by those with risky behavior in terms of sexually transmitted infections

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Aim: The aim of this qualitative study is to determine thoughts about stigma and approach to the use of health services by those who have risky behavior in terms of sexually transmitted infections.Materials and Methods: Twelve focus group discussions and 24 in-depth interviews were conducted among 72 participants who were female sex workers (24 respondents), men who have sex with men (24 respondents) and transsexuals (24 respondents). Data were analyzed by thematic coding method.Result: In the interviews that were held with all three groups, it was expressed that sexually transmitted infections should be kept secret. The reason was that society holds negative perceptions of individuals with sexually transmitted infections and perceives them only as sex slaves and in turn alienates such people. In addition to society’s perceptions the attitude of medical care staff against such individuals has played an important role in use of medical services. The reasons that private hospitals are preferred is the expectation of respect, not to waiting for too long and the doctor’s allocating sufficient time for the visit. All three groups stated that health policies should be reviewed regarding medical care services and that the infrastructure should be reinforced.Conclusion: It is recommended that non-governmental organizations and everyone who delivers health services should work on the rights of risk groups and increase their capacity in order to improve the health of risk groups in respect of sexually transmitted infections and more ready access to healthcare services.

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Sexually transmitted infection , female sex worker , men who have sex with men , transsexual , stigma , health service utilization

Ege Journal Of Medicine

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