Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Older Veterans

Abstract

Older adults who are sexually active in their later years are at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Ninety-five older Veterans aged 60 and over completed the Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections Survey. The perceived knowledge mean scores for each STI ranged from”0” meaning not knowledgeable at all to “5” meaning very knowledgeable. The following were the mean scores for each STI: Chlamydia (1.84), Genital Warts (1.94), Gonorrhea (2.18), Hepatitis B (2.06), Herpes (2.24), HIV/AIDS (2.69), and Syphilis (2.02). The findings revealed knowledge deficits among this population in relation to STIs. Most concerning was the lack of knowledge regarding the following: STIs are sometimes incurable, STIs are only a problem for young people, and there is not a need to get treated for STIs when one is older. Health care providers must engage in communicating with older adults regarding STIs and implement age specific preventative educational measures to this population.

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