Presenter(s)
Cherlisa K. Jackson PhD, MA, MPH, LPC, NCC, CHES (she/her/hers) - Doctor of Health Education & Promotion; Licensed Therapist; Sexual Health Educator, Sexual Health Education, Esteem, & Relationships, LLC
Poster abstract: In the United States, the prevalence of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is highest among African American women. Yet the perceived benefit of discussing sexual health and recognizing a need to discuss HSV-2 with a healthcare provider is a gap in research. Semistructured interviews of seven participants explored the experiences of African American women diagnosed with HSV-2, including barriers and challenges of discussing HSV-2 with healthcare providers. Participants highlighted that when emotional commitment is established condom use decreases, and the perception of severity lowers when how to control symptoms is understood. The results of this study could be programmatically beneficial.