Abstract:
The United States currently faces a significant problem with sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIDs). Examples of STDs include human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 [oral] and HSV-2 [genital]), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021a). Examples of STIs include chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. The distinguishing factor between STIs and STDs is that STDs (e.g., HSV [1 and 2]) are chronic and STIs (e.g., chlamydia) are typically curable with medications. It is well-established that adolescents and young adults (AYAs) currently hold the highest rates of STIDs. Psychological consequences of STIDs include anxiety, depression, self-harming behavior, internalized stigma, and suicidal ideation. Physical consequences of STIDs include painful lesions, sores, infertility, various cancers, and death. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between college students who know someone with a chronic STID and their own levels of STID-related stigma and shame. Additionally, this study aimed to explore the relationship between STID-related stigma, shame, knowledge, and college students’ safe sex practices. In this context, a chronic STID is defined as an STD that is unable to be cured with medication. To test the hypotheses, an online
survey was distributed to undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 24 years old who attend Ball State University. Three hierarchical regressions were conducted to determine the relationship between these variables while controlling for gender identity, ethnicity, and religiosity. Results indicated that college students with more STID knowledge reported less STID-related stigma. This finding can inform how college counselors can discuss sexual health with students to provide more competent and inclusive care.
