Where do young Irish women want Chlamydia-screening services to be set up? A qualitative study employing Goffman's impression management framework

Health Place. 2010 Jan;16(1):16-24. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2009.07.003. Epub 2009 Aug 20.

Abstract

We conducted interviews with 35 young women recruited from eight community healthcare rural and urban settings across two regions of Ireland. The aim of the study was to explore where these women thought Chlamydia-screening services should be located. Respondents wanted screening services to be located in settings where they would not be witnessed either asking for, or being asked to take, Chlamydia tests. Respondents were worried that their identities would become stigmatized if others were to find out that they had accepted screening. Findings are interpreted through Goffman's stigma and impression management framework. We conclude with public health recommendations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Geography*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Ireland
  • Mass Screening / organization & administration*
  • Patient Preference*
  • Rural Population
  • Urban Population
  • Young Adult