“I Have Never Been in Any Risk Zone” : Risk Perception and Information Sources of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Elderly People in Uppsala, Sweden: A Qualitative Study

Background: Sexually transmitted infections are contracted through unprotected sex, and the effects of getting a sexually transmitted infection can negatively impact mental and physical well-being. Due to increased antimicrobial resistance, the most common sexually transmitted infections are becoming harder to treat. In society, elderly people are often viewed as asexual beings and a zero-risk group for sexually transmitted infections. This group is, however, increasingly affected by sexually transmitted infections, yet is often excluded from health promotion, making them vulnerable. Objective: This study aimed to understand the perceptions and information sources on sexually transmitted infection risk and safe sex practices among elderly Uppsala residents. Methods: 12 Uppsala residents over the age of 65 were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. They were recruited through a purposeful sample from Uppsala senior community centers. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results: The participants described their risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection as low. The knowledge of safe sex practices and sexual health was limited in this group, with informal sources and media being their main information sources. The participants in this study also described a lack of support for sexual health from the healthcare sector. Conclusion: Limited knowledge and low risk perception of sexually transmitted infections, in combination with a reliance on informal sources and media, puts elderly people at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. This group needs increased priority on sexual health promotion.