Reactions to repeated STD infections: psychosocial aspects and gender issues in Zimbabwe

This study explores psychosocial and gender issues related to multiple STD infections within the context of marriage. Thirty men and thirty women, currently married and attending a municipal clinic for treatment for repeated STD infections were interviewed. A semi-structured interview schedule was administered to explore themes of knowledge and beliefs about STDs, psychological reactions to repeated infections and power aspects of sexuality. It was found that men and women differed in how they interpreted and reacted to multiple STD infections. There was clear evidence of women's lack of power to negotiate safe sex within marriage and of the lack of social support networks for infected women.