Providers' Experiences with Young People's Cognitive Representations and Emotions Related to the Prevention and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

The Common Sense Model (CSM) was used as the organizing framework to examine providers' experiences with young people's cognitive representations and emotions related to the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study was conducted to develop insights into potential avenues for enhancing the effectiveness of STI education and counseling for young people. This was a qualitative investigation using semi-structured focus group interviews. The 5 focus groups were comprised of 30 providers of STI education and counseling: public health nurses, peer educators, and nurse practitioners. Content of transcribed focus group interviews was coded using a predetermined coding scheme based on the five dimensions of representational beliefs and emotions defined by the CSM. The providers identified that young people hold a number of STI misconceptions within each dimensions of the CSM. Anger and embarrassment about STIs are common emotions experienced by young people. This investigation suggests that providers are able to elicit and identify STI-related misconceptions held by young people, and that the CSM model is a useful classification method. Identifying misconceptions could be useful in developing tailored STI education and counseling interventions by public health nurses.