Psychosocial impact of type-specific herpes simplex serological testing on asymptomatic sexual health clinic attendees

Abstract

The usefulness of type-specific testing for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is much debated with proponents arguing for likely change in the sexual behaviour of asymptomatic carriers and opponents suggesting that testing may have significant adverse psychological impact while not promoting behaviour change. In the present study we examine the impact of HSV-2 serological testing on psychological well-being, self-esteem, anxiety, sexual self-perceptions and sexual practices among a sample of 180 clients of a sexual health clinic. Of the participants, 21 (11.7%) were HSV-2 positive at entry to the study. No adverse psychological consequences of a positive test were observed among those participants followed for 3 months (n =124) or for 6 months (n = 97). There was little significant change observed in sexual behaviour although a general but not significant pattern of decreased sexual behaviour with casual partners was observed among participants who tested HSV-2 negative. While supportive of the value of HSV-2 testing, these findings require replication in larger samples and different populations.