Table 2.
Median and Interquartile Range (IQR) and Level of Association of STI-Related Stigma and Shame by Sociodemographic and Behavioral Characteristics
| Cohort characteristics Overall median (IQR) | Total n=108b n (%) | STI-related stigma 12 (7–15) Median (IQR)a | STI-related shame 15 (9–20) Median (IQR)a |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sociodemographics | |||
| Age | |||
| 15–19 | 75 (69.4) | 13 (8–16) | 16 (10–20) |
| 20–24 | 33 (30.6) | 10 (6–14) | 14 (8–21) |
| Level of education | |||
| Less than high school | 45 (41.7) | 13 (9–15) | 17 (11–20) |
| Graduated high school | 44 (40.7) | 11 (7–16) | 15 (9–22.5) |
| More than high school | 19 (17.6) | 8 (6–16) | 10 (7–17) |
| Perceived income | |||
| Barely making it | 29 (26.9) | 12 (8–15) | 13 (9–20) |
| Making it | 79 (73.2) | 11 (7–17) | 15 (9–20) |
| Currently in school | |||
| Yes | 72 (66.7) | 12 (8–15.5) | 16 (10.5–20) |
| No | 36 (33.3) | 10 (6.5–15) | 13 (8.5–19.5) |
| Currently working (in past 3 months) | |||
| Yes | 64 (59.3) | 12 (7–15) | 15 (9–21.5) |
| No | 44 (40.7) | 11.5 (7–16.5) | 15 (9.5–20) |
| Behaviors | |||
| Ever had sex | |||
| Yes | 96 (88.9) | 12 (7–16) | 15 (9.5–20) |
| No | 12 (11.1) | 9 (7–14.5) | 18 (9–21.5) |
| Age of sexual debutc | |||
| ≤13 | 53 (55.2) | 11 (7–15) | 16 (10–20) |
| ≥14 | 43 (44.8) | 13 (8–16) | 14 (9–20) |
| Seen a doctor for any reason in the last year | |||
| Yes | 71 (65.7) | 11 (7–15) | 15 (10–20) |
| No | 37 (34.3) | 13 (7–16) | 16 (9–21) |
| STI tested previously | |||
| Yes | 79 (73.2) | 11 (7–15)f | 14 (9–20) |
| No | 29 (26.9) | 15 (9–17) | 17 (11–22) |
| HIV tested previously | |||
| Yes | 72 (66.7) | 10.5 (7–14.5)f | 14 (9–20) |
| No | 36 (33.3) | 14.5 (8.5–17) | 17 (10–20) |
| Ever had an STI | |||
| Yes | 20 (18.5) | 8.5 (6–13)f | 11 (8–19) |
| No | 88 (81.5) | 13 (8–16) | 16 (10–20) |
| Would self-notify main partner about STId | |||
| Yes | 72 (72.0) | 10.5 (7–14.5) | 14.5 (8.5–19) |
| No | 28 (28.0) | 14 (8.5–17) | 17.5 (11–23) |
| Would self-notify non-main partners about STId | |||
| Yes | 67 (65.7) | 11 (7–15) | 14 (8–20) |
| No | 35 (34.3) | 13 (9–17) | 17 (11–22) |
| Would give medicine to a partner for STI | |||
| Yes | 74 (68.5) | 10 (7–15)g | 12 (8–18)g |
| No | 34 (31.5) | 14.5 (11–17) | 18 (14–23) |
| Would talk to someone about STIe | |||
| Yes | 76 (73.1) | 10 (7–14.5) | 13 (9–18)f |
| No | 28 (26.9) | 14.5 (8.5–17.5) | 19 (11.5–23) |
Tests were rank sum for binary categories and Kruskal–Wallis for variables with more than two categories.
Numbers vary slightly because of missing responses.
Includes only those who are sexually active.
Excludes those who do not have a specified partner. Options for self-notification coded as “yes” if selected “would bring a letter from the doctor” and “would take medication directly to you,” and “no” if selected “would ask a health worker to contact them” and “wouldn't tell them at all.”
Includes talking to parent, other family member, teacher, coach, counselor, or friend. Excludes nonresponse.
p≤0.05; gp≤0.01.