Year: 2025 | Month: October-December | Volume: 10 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 80-87
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20250409
Time, Stigma and Fear: Main Barriers for STI Testing among Spouses in Meghalaya, India
Nandaris Marwein1, Ibasaralyne Thabah Synthiang1, Herman Nadon2, Safeeda G Warjri2, Laura Myrthong2, Bethabara Decruse2
1School of Social Work, Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong-793006, Meghalaya, India
2Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong-793001, Meghalaya, India
Corresponding Author: Nandaris Marwein
ABSTRACT
Background: Fear and Stigma associated with STDs are considered as an important barrier to STI/RTI prevention and implementation of intervention. This study explores the barriers to STI testing in Meghalaya from the perspective of spouses and other key informants.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional research design was used where quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted. Total three districts, namely East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya are purposely taken since they have the highest number of notified spouses’ low turnout. Total sample size was 118 spouses of clients attending DSRCs. Data was analysed using SPSS and Thematic analysis.
Results: Of 89 (75%) notified spouses of clients attending DSRCs, only 3 (3%) did visited the DSRCs for testing, while 86 (97%) did not visited even after being notified. Among those not visited the DSRCs (n=86), 19% (n=16) were spouses of ANC clients and 81% (n=70) were spouses of general clients. The main barriers for not visiting the DSRC were due to unavailability of time (19%), stigma (17%) and fear of judgment if seen going for STI testing (16%).
Conclusion: Encouraging legislative and policy frameworks sensitive to social need is vital. Promoting community sensitisation campaign keeping in mind cultural sensitivity will improve testing uptake.
Keywords: STI/RTI, DSRCs, Barriers, Notified spouses for STI testing