Barriers to effective STI screening in a post-Soviet society: results from a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
This qualitative study assesses knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STI), identifies perceived barriers to STI testing, and recommends strategies to optimise participation in a home based STI testing programme.


METHODS
Five focus groups composed of 29 total participants were recruited using convenience sampling methods based on age (18-40 years), gender (male and female), and residency (Tartu region, Estonia).


RESULTS
The focus groups revealed significant knowledge deficits and a widespread attitude of denial. However, participants acknowledged that STIs are a serious problem and recommended strategies for increasing participation in an STI testing and treatment programme. Successful STI prevention programmes must address a number of challenges, including disease stigmatisation and privacy protection.


CONCLUSIONS
The fear of enforced disease control methods coupled with the current stigmatisation of STIs creates a serious challenge for Estonian STI prevention and treatment efforts. This qualitative study provides a good contextual reference for STI control programmes in eastern Europe.
Uusküla
A
A
Department of Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, Tartu 50409, Estonia. anneli.uuskula@ut.ee
Kangur
K
K
McNutt
L A
LA
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003219:Confidentiality; D004957:Estonia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010465:Perception; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors