``One-night stands'' — risky trips between lust and trust: qualitative interviews with Chlamydia trachomatis infected youth in north Sweden

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to get a deeper understanding of sexual risk-taking, by interviewing young people diagnosed with Chlamydia trachomatis. Method: This qualitative study was conducted at a youth clinic in Umeå, Sweden. Five young women and four men, aged 18—22, participated. In-depth interviews were performed. Open questions around certain themes were posed, such as thoughts about getting CT, sexual encounters, and attitudes towards condoms. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed according to grounded theory. Norms, events, and emotions were explored. The goal was to develop credible and applicable concepts concerning sexual relationships, risk-taking, and experiences of CT. Results: Informants revealed that behind their sexual risk-taking was a drive to ``go steady''. Lust and trust were the guidelines if sex was going to take place. When discussing ``one-night stands'' gender stereotypes occurred. Females were expected to be less forward compared with males. We found an uneven distribution of responsibility concerning condoms. Males expected females to be ``condom promoters''. By catching CT, females experienced guilt, while males felt content through knowing ``the source of contamination''. Conclusion: An important public health issue is to implement how males should play an equal part in reproductive health. General CT screening of males is one suggestion.

Keywords

Public health qualitative interviews Chlamydia Trachomatis youth sexual risk-taking gender.

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