Misperceptions and stereotypes in nursing care for sexually transmitted infections and domestic violence: a qualitative exploratory study

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) and domestic violence (DV) are common healthcare issues experienced worldwide with DV increasing the risk of acquiring STI/s. Although nurses are well-placed to provide care for both issues, little is known about how and whether nurses perceive STI risk within the context of DV and whether this informs nursing care.Aim: To explore nurses’ perceptions of STI acquisition within the context of DV and whether this informs nursing care.Design: Qualitative exploratory descriptive design.Methods: Eight participant narratives were collected from Australian Registered Nurses (RNs), with 1–17 years of clinical practice in varied settings. Participants were required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and converse in English. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken via face-to-face, telephone and computer-mediated communication (CMC). Thematic analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke (2006).Results: Three themes emerged from the data: ‘Perceptions: They don’t talk about it, ‘Stereotypes: Just that stigma and ‘Provision of Care for STIs/DV: Physical and emotional. Participants held various perceptions associated with STIs and DV including the covert nature of both issues, the care of STIs within the context of DV, and how the nature of nursing care differed between STIs and DV.Conclusions: Nurses need to recognise the impact that nurse perceptions and stereotyping have on disclosures and provision of care for STIs, particularly in the context of DV. Consideration is also needed in relation to sexual and reproductive autonomy, the impact on disclosure and provision of care.