title: Genital herpes beliefs: implications for sexual health.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four women's health clinics and one large state university.
  
  
  METHODS
  302 women aged 18-24 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors: College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA. hrroyer@uwm.edu
authors: Heather Rhea
authors: HR
authors: Royer
authors: Elizabeth C
authors: EC
authors: Falk
authors: Susan M
authors: SM
authors: Heidrich
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D060728:Reproductive Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014922:Wisconsin; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult