Women with HSV and HPV: a strategy to increase self-esteem

This study tested the impact of the use of a self-help module on knowledge of disease and the cognitive perceptual variables of self-esteem, self-concept, satisfaction with intimate relationships and body image in young adult women with herpes simplex virus (HSV) or human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. In this prospective, experimental study, 40 HSV-positive and 58 HPV-positive women were randomly assigned to the intervention or routine counseling groups. Analysis of covariance was used to test for treatment differences. The HSV intervention groups had greater satisfaction with intimate relationships after the intervention and a greater increase in self-esteem, but no effect of the intervention was found for the HPV groups. Pre- and posttest mean change scores were compared for the separate groups using t-test analysis. Although scores on the knowledge of disease tests were high for the subjects, they reported engaging in risky sexual behaviors. The findings indicate that the use of a self-help module to assist HSV-infected women with the psychological impact of this disease may be an effective strategy to enhance adjustment, but knowledge did not deter risk-taking behavior.