Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Shari Jorissen

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the main cause of genital herpes, is an incurable sexually transmitted infection responsible in 2018 for 18.6 million infections in the United States. HSV-2 is twice as frequent in women than in men. Women who have sex with women (WSW) have a higher prevalence of depression and drug use than women who have sex exclusively with men (WSM), which are each related to HSV-2 as they increase the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the predictive relationship between depression status, nonprescription drug use status, and HSV-2 status in WSW while controlling for age, race, educational level, income, and total number of sex partners. The research design was a quantitative, correlational study of a cross-sectional nature using secondary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The theoretical framework for this study was the escape theory, which describes why individuals engage in certain activities (e.g., drug use and risky sexual behaviors) to avoid negative thoughts about themselves. Data were analyzed using chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests to assess the relationships between variables. Results did not indicate statistically significant (p < 0.05) predictive relationships between depression status, nonprescription drug use status, and HSV-2 status in WSW, but age, race, educational level, income, and total number of sex partners were all predictively related to HSV-2 status at statistically significant levels. The results of this study may motivate researchers to further investigate these relationships. STI prevention planners could use this information to ensure that these risk factors are considered when designing HSV-2 interventions for sexual minority women.

Download

Share

 
COinS