Disclosure of Sexually Transmitted Infections to Sexual Partners: A Systematic Critical Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) present unique challenges for individuals regarding disclosure to partners.
• Existing literature often excludes STI disclosure, focusing primarily on HIV, necessitating a focused review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and critically evaluate the literature on STI disclosure, excluding HIV.
• To identify limitations, omissions, and future research opportunities in STI disclosure studies.
• To utilize the Health Disclosure Decision-Making Model (DD-MM) as a theoretical framework.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Database searches using relevant keywords identified 387 potential articles.
• 32 articles met inclusion criteria for the review.

Main Results:

• Individuals experience negative emotions regarding STI disclosure, with varied reasons for and against it.
• Disclosure strategies range from direct communication to avoidance tactics; disclosure timing is often delayed.
• Relationship factors like commitment and closeness predict disclosure, but partner responses vary.
• The experiences of STI disclosure receivers are underrepresented in current research.

Conclusions:

• STI disclosure is a multifaceted issue influenced by individual emotions, partner dynamics, and relationship characteristics.
• There is a significant gap in understanding the experiences of those receiving STI disclosures.
• Future research should address disclosure timing, partner responses, and the experiences of disclosure receivers.