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Department counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran , dr.ahmadi.sedighe@khu.ac.ir
Abstract: (242 Views)
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, with genital warts being a major clinical manifestation. While the medical aspects of HPV have been extensively studied, the psychosocial impact of genital warts on women remain underexplored.
Aims: The present study aimed to explore the psychosocial impact of genital warts on women.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological design. The study population consisted of women diagnosed with genital warts who referred to gynecology clinics in Iran during 2023–2024. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and 25 interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method.
Results: Six main themes emerged from the analysis. 1) Short-term emotional reactions included feelings of shock, anxiety, anger, shame, loneliness, discouragement, and ambivalence. 2) Disturbances in couple relationships were reflected in weakened emotional bonds and disruptions in sexual intimacy. 3) Effects on social life involved fear of disclosure, perceived stigma, insecurity, anger toward society, avoidance of medical procedures, and in some cases job loss. 4) Perceived concerns about the future, particularly regarding marital relationships in future and the long-term consequences of the infection. 5) Psychological problems manifested as guilt, obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors, projection, social anxiety, social withdrawal, and damage to self-concept. 6) coping strategies such as seeking information, lifestyle changes, practicing self-compassion, and reliance on spirituality and religion.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that genital warts impose considerable psychosocial challenges on women. Providing social and psychological support along with training in coping strategies and education with accurate information, may help reduce stigma and mitigate the psychosocial impacts of this condition.
Aims: The present study aimed to explore the psychosocial impact of genital warts on women.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological design. The study population consisted of women diagnosed with genital warts who referred to gynecology clinics in Iran during 2023–2024. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and 25 interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method.
Results: Six main themes emerged from the analysis. 1) Short-term emotional reactions included feelings of shock, anxiety, anger, shame, loneliness, discouragement, and ambivalence. 2) Disturbances in couple relationships were reflected in weakened emotional bonds and disruptions in sexual intimacy. 3) Effects on social life involved fear of disclosure, perceived stigma, insecurity, anger toward society, avoidance of medical procedures, and in some cases job loss. 4) Perceived concerns about the future, particularly regarding marital relationships in future and the long-term consequences of the infection. 5) Psychological problems manifested as guilt, obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors, projection, social anxiety, social withdrawal, and damage to self-concept. 6) coping strategies such as seeking information, lifestyle changes, practicing self-compassion, and reliance on spirituality and religion.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that genital warts impose considerable psychosocial challenges on women. Providing social and psychological support along with training in coping strategies and education with accurate information, may help reduce stigma and mitigate the psychosocial impacts of this condition.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/13 | Accepted: 2025/10/17 | Published: 2026/03/21
Received: 2025/08/13 | Accepted: 2025/10/17 | Published: 2026/03/21
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This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)