Genital herpes beliefs: implications for sexual health.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Genital herpes (HSV) is exceedingly common in the United States and women are disproportionally affected. This study aims to describe young women's beliefs about HSV and examine the correlates of those beliefs. DESIGN: A 40-item Herpes Representation measure (HSV-RoSTD) and a demographic questionnaire were administered to a convenience sample of young women. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests and Pearson's correlations. SETTING: Four women's health clinics and one large state university. PARTICIPANTS: 302 women aged 18-24 years. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Four dimensions of HSV representations (cause, identity, future perspective, and psychosocial consequences), age and STD testing history. RESULTS: Nearly all (98%) believed that HSV would result in genital sores and 68% believed they could tell if their sexual partner had HSV. Most (89%) understood the longevity of HSV; however, 30% believed that they could take a pill to get rid of the infection, and 15% indicated that it was likely they would die from HSV. Negative beliefs about the psychosocial impact of HSV were common as 95% indicated they would be depressed and 90% indicated concern about sex and partner notification. Those who were younger and those who had never been tested for STDs believed a genital herpes infection is highly symptomatic. Finally, negative beliefs about the psychosocial consequences of HSV were associated with beliefs about HSV being symptomatic, having a negative impact on future health, and being associated with sexual risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Young women have misconceptions about HSV, particularly regarding the symptomatology and the role of HSV medication. Noteworthy concerns about the negative psychosocial consequences of an HSV diagnosis were also raised, all of which have implications for young women's sexual health.

Older breast cancer survivors' symptom beliefs.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To use Leventhal's Common Sense Model (CSM) to describe older breast cancer survivors' symptom representations, symptom management strategies, and perceived barriers to symptom management. DESIGN: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from three pilot studies that tested a theory-based intervention to improve symptom management in older breast cancer survivors. SETTING: Advanced practice nurses conducted open-ended interviews with older breast cancer survivors either in their homes or via telephone. SAMPLE: Participants were recruited from the community, an oncology clinic, and a state tumor registry. The women (N = 61, X age = 69.5) were an average of 4.7 years after breast cancer diagnosis and reported an average of 17 symptoms. METHODS: Content analysis was conducted with field notes taken during baseline interviews. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Symptom representations, symptom management strategies, and perceived barriers to symptom management. FINDINGS: Women described their symptoms as chronic, incurable, and uncontrollable, with multiple causes (usually not aging) and numerous negative consequences. Women described an average of six symptom management strategies, most typically self-care. The most frequent barrier to symptom management was communicating with healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: The CSM is a useful framework for understanding the symptom beliefs of older breast cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Addressing women's beliefs and barriers may result in better communication with healthcare providers and more effective interventions for symptom management.