Psychosocial factors influencing risk-taking in middle age for STIs

Dalrymple, J., Booth, J., Flowers, P. and Lorimer, K. (2017) Psychosocial factors influencing risk-taking in middle age for STIs. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 93(1), pp. 32-38. (doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052588) (PMID:27388457)

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Abstract

Objectives To increase the knowledge of the psychosocial factors influencing sexual risk-taking for STIs among adults in late middle age. Methods Individual interviews were conducted either face to face or by telephone with 31 heterosexual men and women aged between 45 and 65. They were recruited from NHS sexual health services (n=16) and council run culture and leisure facilities (n=15) in a large Scottish city. A total of 18 women and 13 men were interviewed. All interviews were transcribed in full and thematically analysed. Results Analysis detailed important psychosocial and sociocultural factors; the prioritisation of intimacy above and beyond concerns about risks for STI in sexual partnerships; the importance of unwanted pregnancy in shaping risk perceptions throughout the life course; vulnerability associated with periods of relationship transition (eg, bereavement, divorce or separation); social norms and cultural expectations relating to age-appropriate sexual and health-seeking behaviours. Conclusions This is the first qualitative study to examine the factors associated with sexual risk-taking among heterosexual adults in late middle age in the UK. Many factors associated with sexual risk-taking are similar to those reported within other populations. However, we also detail population-specific factors, which should be considered in terms of the development of interventions for ‘at risk’ older adults, or the tailoring of wider behaviour change interventions to this specific age group.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The authors thank the men and women who took part in interviews and to the council and NHS staff who assisted with recruitment. JD was funded by a Glasgow Caledonian University PhD studentship. Support to undertake the research was provided by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Sandyford Sexual Health Service. JB, KL and PF are funded by Glasgow Caledonian University.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Flowers, Professor Paul
Authors: Dalrymple, J., Booth, J., Flowers, P., and Lorimer, K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Sexually Transmitted Infections
Publisher:BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:1368-4973
ISSN (Online):1472-3263
Published Online:07 July 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Limited
First Published:First published in Sexually Transmitted Infections 93(1):32-38
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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