Table 3 Psychological responses to positive HPV test results (Examples of the steps in the analysis)
From: Iranian women’s psychological responses to positive HPV test result: a qualitative study
| Examples of transcript | Codes | Subcategories | Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| “When I got home after learning of my 1 results, I started browsing the Internet until morning. I kept reading and crying. I was worried, I thought maybe I have Chlamydia or other STDs that I even don't know them, just like this one.” (P.9, 40, hrHPV) |
Shock, Unexpected result, Denial, "Why me?" reaction Phobia, Catastrophizing, Fear of death, Distress, Psychosomatic symptoms | Primary psychological reactions | 1. Initial confrontation |
|
Information seeking; stressful and confusing Search to find the source of infection Being vigilant about other STIs | Trying to understand the status quo | ||
|
Concerns over the cervical cancer Fear of other HPV-associated cancers | Worries about HPV-related cancers | ||
|
Not covering colposcopy, freezing and other STIs check-ups by insurance High cost of HPV vaccine | Financial concerns related to HPV management | ||
| "Even if the government can cover 100% of HPV costs, many people do not benefit from it for fear of having their names recorded in insurance records. I don't even write my real name on the sample I give to the courier for transfer to the lab. I always ask the doctor's secretary to give me the last appointment so that the office is not crowded and no one sees me." (P.19, 38, hrHPV) |
Shame, guilt and self-blame Negative body image Fear of social rejection Receiving health care anonymously Annoying behavior of health care providers | Stigma and Fear of disclosure | 2. STD-related psychological burden |
|
Separation, Blame, Conflict, Rejection, Accusation Acceptance (past), Trust (non-sexual), Forgiveness (support) | Changing in emotional relationship | ||
|
Fear of self-transmission to other parts of the body Self-protection by avoiding sexual contacts Worries about infecting partner Concerns over infecting family members non-sexually | Fear of spreading the virus | ||
| "God likes me so much that it's been detected. I spent a lot of money on charity. I think I was getting this virus as a warning to be careful. I started reading "the Thanksgiving Miracle" book. I'm talking to my immune system just like a baby in my belly. My immune system will be able to combat the virus. I'll get rid of it soon."(P.3, 27, Mixed) |
Remedies from alternative medicine Healthier food, Vitamins intake Modifying lifestyle Following up health status | Improving physical health | 3. Rebuilding health |
|
Changing attitude toward the sexual issue Increasing Condom use Limiting sexual partners | Practicing safer sex | ||
|
seeking and providing support Wishful thinking, Thankfulness, Hope for Heal | Growing spirituality and emotional well-being |