Portrayal of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Popular Films.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stigmatization of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) threatens provider-patient relationships and contributes to the underutilization of STI services. Media can shape public attitudes toward healthcare topics by perpetuating or reducing stigma. Given the high prevalence of STIs and the widespread consumption of media, it is essential for healthcare providers to be cognizant of factors influencing societal perceptions of STI symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. METHODS: This study is a scoping review of popular films depicting STIs. Full-length English-language narrative films featuring characters with confirmed or suspected STIs were included. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the proportion of characters accurately portrayed with STI symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS: The final analysis comprised 128 characters from 77 films, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) being the most frequently featured STI (42 films, 54.5%). The overall accuracy across all four clinical variables of symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment was 87.4%. Transmission was the most depicted clinical variable, represented in 74 characters (57.8%). All four clinical variables were simultaneously depicted in only four (3.1%) characters, with two characters portraying all four clinical variables accurately. Death occurred in 39 characters (30.5%), with HIV accounting for the majority (82.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Most films accurately portrayed STI clinical variables, including symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. Rates of individual variable depiction were inconsistent, while death secondary to STIs was common. Understanding the portrayal of STIs in popular films can provide valuable insights for clinicians, enabling them to effectively address patient misconceptions and knowledge gaps.