Keywords

cervical cancer, human papillomavirus, self-disclosure, sexually transmitted disease, sexually transmitted infections

 

Authors

  1. Montgomery, Kymberlee A. MSN, CRNP
  2. Gonzalez, Elizabeth W. PhD, APRN, BC
  3. Montgomery, Owen C. MD

Abstract

In the United States, there are currently more than 65 million individuals living with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and approximately 19 million new infections will continue to occur each year. To decrease the transmission of potentially dangerous and life-altering STDs, self-disclosure of sexual and drug history and sexual orientation is paramount. This integrative review examines the concept of self-disclosure of STDs, suggests areas of additional research, and proposes a comprehensive public health campaign, with a specific focus on the recent human papillomavirus epidemic to improve the physical and psychological health of all individuals.