Abstract
A review of the international literature shows that men are less likely to seek help and, are more likely to delay seeking help for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than women. However, there is a lack of research into their process of decision-making in relation to seeking help for this condition. The aim of this study was to explore and to generate a substantive theory on male decision-making in relation to seeking help for an STI.A Glaserian grounded theory approach was deemed best suited to this area about which little is known.
In-depth face-to-face interviews with thirty-nine volunteer participants, selected by convenience, theoretical and snowball sampling took place. Documentary, media and literary sources were also compared as incoming data to broaden understanding and expand the scope of the study. Relevance, workability, fit, modifiability, parsimony and scope were applied to ensure the rigour of the study.
The key psychosocial problems that emerged as ‘relevant and problematic for those involved’ (Glaser, 1978 p. 93), were: integrating the possibility of having an STI (negative) with the image of oneself (positive), managing disclosure and stigma. These were resolved through the core variable: ‘Facing up to it’. This parsimonious theory describes and explains a five stage decision-making process consisting of the sub-core variables of decision-making. These were; ‘becoming aware’, ‘seeking refuge in self’, ‘seeking refuge in referent sources’, ‘rationalising,’ and ‘reaching a decision’.
The decision-making process was initiated when participants became aware they might have an STI. ‘Seeking refuge in self’, enabled men to conceal the problem, while strategies such as checking for symptoms and trying to interpret if something was wrong were employed. The need for information forced them to ‘seek refuge in referent sources’. ‘Rationalising’ followed as men sought to ascertain the best course of action and reach their decision.Where they decided not to seek professional help, they would continue to progress through the stages until some change forced a review of previous deliberations.The decision to seek help is moderated by a number of factors and is complex and multifaceted.Implications for education, practice, policy, and research are evident. Recommendations are made to facilitate prompt STI screening in men. This substantive theory should be implemented, tested and evaluated.
| Date of Award | Sept 2010 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Kader Parahoo (Supervisor), Eilis Mc Caughan (Supervisor) & PAUL FLEMING (Supervisor) |
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