Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Committee Chair
Melissa Latimer.
Committee Co-Chair
Beverly Smith
Committee Member
Rachael Woldoff
Abstract
This thesis focuses on health care providers who consistently diagnose sexually transmitted disease (STDs) in low-income populations. Eighteen providers ranging from registered nurses to physicians were interviewed about their experiences dealing with low-income patients, mainly women, who were diagnosed with incurable and curable STDs for the first time. This qualitative analysis which utilized grounded theory methods reveals several interesting findings. First, that providers who consistently work with low-income populations have a high level of empathy. They believe patients undergo a negative change in self-image second to an incurable STD diagnosis. Providers have concerns about a number of issues related to low-income women's access to care and see the need for more sexuality education, more funding for free and reduced cost clinics, and more health insurance. Many providers would also like to see the stigma attached to having an STD eradicated.
Recommended Citation
Cox, Genevieve R., "Views of health care providers on low-income populations in West Virginia with sexually transmitted disease" (2005). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 837.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/837