NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain

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NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain is to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the paper’s audience and purpose, as this will help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, review its use, including writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review the formatting requirements for the title page and headings in the paper, as outlined by Chamberlain University.

How to Research and Prepare for NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify a list of keywords related to your topic using various combinations. The first step is to visit the Chamberlain University library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from the Chamberlain University Library, PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last 5 years and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, such as APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next, create a detailed outline of the paper to help you develop headings and subheadings for the content. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part, as it helps provide the context of your work and determines whether the reader will be interested in reading through to the end. Begin with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence collected from the research, and ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance, as well as how it relates to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between paragraphs by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain

In-text citations help readers give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their work. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

“The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Morelli et al. (2024), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Alawiye (2024) highlights that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.”

How to Write the Conclusion for NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restating your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. Conclude with a call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader or offers recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically, and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Morelli, S., Daniele, C., D’Avenio, G., Grigioni, M., & Giansanti, D. (2024). Optimizing telehealth: Leveraging Key Performance Indicators for enhanced telehealth and digital healthcare outcomes (Telemechron Study). Healthcare, 12(13), 1319. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131319

Alawiye, T. (2024). The impact of digital technology on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 13, 13-22. 10.4236/etsn.2024.132002.

NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain Reflection Instructions

Reflection

  1. Address the following questions:
    1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more prevalent in clients who are members of marginalized communities. Have a look at NR603 Week 1 Discussion: Compare and Contrast.
    2. Identify and discuss two person-centered actions to promote STI self-care management for marginalized clients.
  2. Provide evidence from a scholarly resource. Cite your source(s) appropriately. Include the following components:
    1. write 150-300 words in a Microsoft Word document
    2. demonstrate clinical judgment appropriate to the virtual patient scenario
    3. cite at least two relevant scholarly source as defined by of less than 5 yrs.,  communicate with minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation

NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain Example

NR 602 WEEK 7 I HUMAN JULIANA MIRABELLES (GU) PAIN WITH URINATION

Reason for Encounter: Pain with urination

Good Questions – 98%

  1. How can I help you today? I have been burning when I pee. I was worried I had another bladder infection, but these symptoms are a little different than the symptoms I had with my last UTI.
  2. Do you have any other symptoms or concerns we should discuss? Yes. I also have vaginal discharge.
  3. When did your pain/discomfort with urination start? About 3 days ago.
  4. Does anything make your pain/discomfort with urination better or worse? Soaking in a warm bath helps.
  5. How severe is your pain/discomfort with urination? Makes me not want to go, even though I have to!
  6. Have you had problems with pain/discomfort with urination like this before? Yes, with my bladder infection last year. But this seems different.
  7. Is your pain/discomfort worse with the start or end of urination? Worse when starting, but it doesn’t really let up
  • Do you feel when you need to urinate that you need to urgently? Urgent. Oh, I know what that’s like. I remember I had that bladder infection, when I had to go I literally had to RUN to the bathroom. I haven’t noticed that so much with this.
  • Has there been a change in your urination frequency? Well, yeah. Seems like I feel I have to go every 10 to 15 or 20 minutes, but I resist due to the pain.
ink or red in color (blood in urine)? Haven’t seen a  

  1. What is the appearance, smell, texture, and quantity of the vaginal discharge? Oh boy. I hate having to answer these questions. Yellow, kind of mucousy, kind of creamy. Not really too smelly.
  2. Do you have vaginal discomfort or itching? No
  3. Have you had vaginal discharge/discomfort like this before? I’ve had yeast infections before, but this is different.
  4. Have you been having fevers? No, not really.
  5. Are you sexually active? Yes, I am
  6. Do you have pain with intercourse? No, but I haven’t had sex since this all started.
  7. Are you having or have you had unprotected sex? I’m on the pill, so I guess I’m protected that way. For STD’s not so much.
  8. Have you had any sexually transmitted infections? Not that I know of.
  9. Do you have more than one sexual partner? Yes
  10. Do you have new or multiple sexual partners with similar symptoms? Well, no one has told me he has any problems.
  11. Do you use precautions to prevent the transmission of sexual infections? Nothing other than the pill
  12. Do you have genital sores or discharge? No sores, but we were talking about the other.
  13. When did your last period begin? About two-and-a-half weeks ago.
  14. Do you have bleeding between your menstrual cycles? No
  15. Are you taking any OTC or herbal medications? Yeah, sometimes take ibuprofen with my period. You know, like for cramps and headaches.
  16. Any new or recent changes to your medications? No changes.
  17. Do you have allergies? Not that I know of.
  • Are your immunizations up to date? I think so

Review or Systems

(2G) General:

Denies fatigue, unintentional weight loss or gain, fevers, or night sweats.

  • Skin/Hair/Nails: None of any of that.

Denies any skin problems, including itchy scalp, skin changes, moles, thinning hair, or brittle nails. Denies breast discharge, lumps, scaly nipples, pain, swelling, or redness.

HEENT: None of that. Nothing from the neck up. It’s definitely below the waist. Denies headaches. Denies double or blurred vision or difficulty seeing at night and denies problems hearing or ear pain. Denies sinus problems, chronic sore throats, or difficulty swallowing.

Breast: No

  • Cardio: That’s quite a long list, but no, none of that.

Denies chest pain, discomfort, or pressure; denies any pain/pressure/dizziness with exertion or getting angry; denies palpitations, denies exercise intolerance, denies blue/cold fingers or toes.

  • Resp: No.

Denies shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty catching your breath, chronic cough, or sputum production.

  • GI: Whoa. Blood in my stools or vomiting nasty stuff? No. None of that.

Denies any nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, coffee grounds in vomit,dark tarry stool, bright red blood in bowel movements, or satiety or bloating.

GU: Reports burning while urination, increased frequency. Denies blood in urine, and difficulty starting or stopping.

  • Muscu: No.

Denies any problems with muscle or joint pain, redness, swelling, muscle cramps, joint stiffness,   joint swelling or redness, back pain, neck or shoulder pain, or hip pain.

Hemat: Nope.

Denies any bruising, bleeding gums, nose bleeds, or other sites of increased bleeding.

  • Endocrine: Well, I’m here because of my peeing problems.

Reports urinary frequency. Denies any heat or cold intolerance, increased thirst or sweating, or change in appetite. Neuro: Nope.

Denies dizziness, fainting, spinning room, seizures, weakness, numbness, tingling, or tremors. Psych: This is definitely not all in my head.

Denies nervousness, depression, lack of interest, sadness, memory loss, or mood changes. Denies hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.

Not Good Questions

What are the events surrounding the start of pain/discomfort with urination? Well, it’s hard to say.

Do you have any other symptoms associated with your pain/discomfort when urinating? Well, yeah. I thought I told you about it.

Do you have abdominal bloating, back pain, weight gain, or mood changes a few days before your period begins? Not on the pill.

iHuman Screenshots included in this document

Physical Examination – 100%

25f

5’5” (l 65 cm)

135 lb (61.4 kg) BMI:

22.4

98.7°F

66 bpm, regular, normal Left -1l 6/64, right 118/66,

normotensive, normal 12 bpm, regular, unlabored

99%

Appears stated age, no apparent distress, well-groomed, and dressed appropriately for the weather.

Inspect eyes: Eyelids-no ptosis, erythema or swelling. Conjunctivae -pink, no discharge. Sclerae-anicteric. Orbital area – no edema, redness, tenderness, or lesions noted.

Inspect mouth/pharynx: Oropharynx not injected, clear mucosa, tonsils without exudate. Tongue pink, symmetrical. No swelling or ulcerations.

Inspect skin: Skin is pink, warm, and slightly moist with no lesions seen. Normal skin turgor.

Palpate lymph nodes: No pathologically enlarged lymph nodes in the cervical, supraclavicular, axillary, or inguinal chains.

Auscultate heart: 66 bpm, RRR, no murmurs, rubs, or gallops.

Auscultate lungs: 12 bpm, regular, unlabored, no adventitious throughout.

Inspect abdomen: ABD is flat, non-distended, and symmetric. No scars, deformities, striae, or lesions.

Auscultate abdomen: BS active in all four quadrants.

Palpate abdomen: ABD soft, non-tender to palpation; no guarding or rebound. No hepatosplenomegaly; liver span normal; spleen is not palpable. No masses or abdominal pulsations. No inguinal lymphadenopathy. No suprapubic tenderness. Percuss back/spine: No costovertebral angle tenderness (CVA)

GU female exam: “I hate these exams.” External vulvar/vaginal exam – normal public hair distribution, no ulcerations or lesions; skin pink. Speculum exam – vaginal walls pink without ulcerations or lesions. Mucopurulent discharge issuing from the cervical os. Cervix appears friable. Vaginal pH4.0. Bimanual exam -no cervical motion tenderness. Ovaries were non-palpable. No masses or lesions were palpated. No adnexal tenderness to exam.

Visual inspection rectal area: No visible fissures, induration or lesions.

Differential Diagnosis – 100•4LeadAl tMNM
Bacterial vaginosis    
Candida vaginitis    
Cervicitis    
Herpes, genital    
Urinary tract infection (UTI)    
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)    

Tests Ordered – 100%

  • Papanicolau test
  • Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Vaginal pH
  • Cervical swab/gram stain
  • Urinalysis (UA)
  • Urine culture
  • Human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG), urine
  • Saline wet mount
  • Chlamydia trachomatis PCR
  • Chlamydia trachomatis culture
  • Neisseria gonorrhea PCR
  • Neisseria gonorrhea culture
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) culture and typing
  • Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation test
  • HIV 1 and/or 2 antibody, blood

Case Problem —• MAX of 55 words

JM is a 25-year-old female with a past medical history of UTI’s, who presents to the office with complaints of dysuria x3 days. Associated symptoms include urinary urgency, and yellow, creamy, non-odorus vaginal discharge. She reports more than one sexual partners, denies STI protection. Mucopurulent discharge from the cervical os, and cervix friable were noted on the physical exam.

JM is a 25-year-old female with a PMH of UTIs, who presents to the office with complaints of dysuria x3 days. Associated symptoms include urinary urgency and yellow, creamy, non-odorous vaginal discharge. She reports more than one sexual partner and denies STI protection. Mucopurulent discharge from the cervical os and cervix friability noted on PE.

History of Present Illness

JM is a 25-year-old female who presents to the office with complaints of dysuria x3 days. She reports urinary urgency and frequency. She reports a non-odorous, yellow, mucousy, creamy vaginal discharge. She reports soaking in a warm bath helps provide some relief. Her last menstrual cycle was about two and a half weeks ago, denied bleeding between cycles. She reports sexual intercourse with multiple partners and was not aware of sexually transmitted diseases. She reports she is on OCP but does not use STD prevention. She denies blood in her urine, genital sores, and fevers. She reports a history of UTIs, and yeast infections but denied previous STDs.

EHR Information

PMH: UTI

Hospitalization/Surgeries: None

Medications: Oral contraception pills(OCP)-Ethinylestradiol/drospirenone, Ibuprofen as needed for menstrual cramps.

Allergies: None

Preventative: Last PAP smear was 2 years ago, no history of abnormal screening. Negative STD screenings prior. Immunizations: Up-to-date, no previous HPV vaccination

Family History: Father – hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), hyperlipidemia (HLD); mother – Diabetes Mellitus (DM); older sister alive and well. Social History: Works as a consultant, and frequent travel.Drinksalcohol1-2timesper week,4-5drinksper occasion. Denies recreational drug use. Previous tobacco use, approximately 2-pack-per-year history.

Management Plan

Diagnostic Test

Neisseria gonorrhea PCR: Positive for Neisseria gonorrhea Neisseria gonorrhea culture: Positive for Neisseria gonorrhea

Urinalysis(UA): Positive for leucocytes, esterase, high WBC, slightly cloudy Urine culture: No bacterial growth Human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG), urine: Negative

Saline wet mount: Leukocytes present, no motile   clue cells visualized. Chlamydia trachomatis PCR: Negative for Chlamydia species

Chlamydia trachomatis culture: No Chlamydia species isolated Herpes simplex virus (HSV) culture and typing: Negative Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation test: Negative for Candida HIV 1 and/or 2 antibody, blood: Negative

Medication

Ceftriaxone – Rocephin, 500 mg, intramuscularly, once

Client Education

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease(STD) that is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which infects the lining of the urethra, cervix, rectum, or throat, or the membranes that cover the front part of the eye (conjunctiva and cornea).

Preventative measures such as the use of condoms will help lower your risk of getting an STD. You can pick up free condoms at the front desk when you check out or at your local health department.

You should abstain from having sexual intercourse until your symptoms have resolved or for at least 7 days.

STDs are spread by unprotected anal, vaginal, and/or oral sex, through contact with the skin, bodily fluids, or sores of an infected person.

Because you have had more than one sexual partner, you will need to contact anyone with whom you have had unprotected sexual relations within the last 2 months, including vaginal, anal, C/or oral sex, and notify them of your positive result. They will need to be treated with antibiotic therapy also.

Before engaging in an asexual relationship with a person, it is important to have open and honest communication about your sexual health history.

It is important to get yearly STD screenings. Discussed the importance of the HPV vaccine

Follow-up

Return visit in 3 months for repeat Neisseria gonorrhea testing, or sooner if symptoms worsen.

If you develop a fever, joint pain, heavy uterine bleeding, or severe abdominal pain, this would warrant additional medical treatment. Untreated gonorrhea can be life-threatening and place you at an increased risk for HIV.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020).Just diagnosed? U.S.Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/NextSteps- GonorrheaOrChIamydia.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Gonococcal infections among adolescents and adults. U.S. Department of Health C Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/gonorrhea-adults.htm

Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, C. M., Muzny, C. A., Park, I., Reno, H., Zenilman, J. M., C Bolan, G.A.(2021).Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines,2021.MMWR Recommendations and Reports: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report—Recommendations and reports, 70(4), p. 1-187. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7004al

Reflection: Address the following questions:
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more prevalent in individuals who are members of marginalized communities.
  • Identify and discuss two person-centered actions to promote STI self-care management for marginalized clients.
  • Provide evidence from a scholarly resource. Cite your source(s) appropriately.

The goal of person-centered STI care is to promote patient autonomy, adherence, compliance, and provider relationship (Garcia et al., 2021). STI management should be standard in the aspect of treatment medication; however, for self-care, all plans of care should be individualized. There has always been a stigma around STDs. The stigmas have led to poor patient outcomes, unnecessary spreading of STIs, and antibiotic resistance. The foundation of medical management is communication. As an advanced practice nurse one person-centered action to promote STI self-care that I could provide is that of education. Education can be provided in numerous ways, and should be ongoing. Patients need to be educated on healthy sexual habits, and to feel supported.

Education can be provided in numerous ways, including verbally, visually, and in writing. It is important to always be mindful of our body language when listening to our patients, especially when it comes to such a sensitive topic such as STIs and sexual behaviors. Another person-centered approach is that of sex positivity. Patients need to be encouraged to discuss their sexual health without judgment from their healthcare provider. As a healthcare provider, it is our duty to provide our patients with the necessary tools to live a healthy life despite their sexual preferences or practices. Providing resources to those within the community, such as free condoms in the office, free STI testing for not only patients but their partners also.

References

Garcia, P. J., Miranda, A.E., Gupta, S., Garland, S.M., Escobar, M.E., Fortenberry, J.D., C International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections. (2021). The role of sexually transmitted infections(STI) prevention and control programs in reducing gender, sexual and STI-related stigma. EClinical Medicine, 33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecIinm.2021.100764

NR602 Week 7 iHuman Case Study: Juliana Mirabelles Urinary Pain Reflection Example

Reflection: Sexually Transmitted Infections in Clients of Marginalized Communities

Sexually transmitted infections represent a significant public health challenge globally, affecting individuals of all backgrounds and demographics. However, it is increasingly evident that certain populations, particularly those belonging to marginalized communities, bear a disproportionate burden of STIs. This raises critical questions about the underlying factors driving these disparities and the urgent need for targeted interventions and equitable healthcare access.

Understanding the prevalence of STIs among marginalized communities is important for several reasons. First, it speaks to broader issues of health inequity and social justice, showing disparities in access to healthcare, education, and resources. Secondly, addressing STI disparities is essential for effective disease prevention and control efforts, as these communities often serve as reservoirs for transmission to the general population. Moreover, failure to address the root causes of STI disparities perpetuates cycles of poor health outcomes and socioeconomic disadvantage. The prevalence of STIs in marginalized communities is influenced by socioeconomic factors, stigma and discrimination, cultural and structural barriers, and intersectional factors.

  1. Socioeconomic Factors

Socioeconomic status plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ access to healthcare, education, and resources for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare services. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals with low income are less likely to receive regular STI screenings and preventive care compared to those with higher income levels (CDC, 2023). Limited access to healthcare facilities, lack of health insurance, and transportation challenges further exacerbate disparities in STI detection and treatment among economically disadvantaged populations. The financial constraints associated with poverty can make individuals engage in risky sexual behaviors as a means of coping with economic stressors (Ma et al., 2023).

  • Stigma and Discrimination

The stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) perpetuates social inequalities and exacerbates health disparities, particularly among marginalized communities. This stigma manifests in various forms, including negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, and has far-reaching consequences for individuals’ access to healthcare and well-being. Marginalized communities often experience heightened levels of stigma related to STIs due to intersecting factors such as race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and immigration status.

Discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status can create significant barriers to seeking healthcare and disclosing STI status. Fear of judgment, rejection, or mistreatment by healthcare providers prevents individuals from marginalized communities from accessing essential STI services (Garcia et al., 2021). Moreover, structural inequalities in the healthcare system, such as language barriers and lack of culturally competent care, can exacerbate disparities in STI care for marginalized populations.

Cultural and Structural Barriers

Cultural norms and societal structures significantly influence the prevalence of STIs among marginalized groups, shaping individuals’ attitudes, behaviors, and access to sexual health resources. These cultural and structural barriers contribute to disparities in STI rates and perpetuate health inequities among underserved populations. Limited sex education represents a significant cultural barrier to STI prevention and care, particularly in communities where discussions about sexual health are taboo or stigmatized.

In many societies, sex education is either absent from school curricula or provided in a limited and often inadequate manner. Language barriers further exacerbate disparities in STI care, particularly among immigrant and non-native English-speaking populations. Limited proficiency in the dominant language of a healthcare system can hinder individuals’ ability to communicate with healthcare providers, understand medical information, and access appropriate services.

Systemic inequalities, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, further compound the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing STI services. In many low-income and rural communities, healthcare facilities may be scarce or under-resourced, limiting individuals’ access to STI testing, treatment, and prevention services. Moreover, lack of affordable healthcare coverage and transportation barriers can further deter individuals from seeking essential sexual health services, perpetuating disparities in STI rates.

Culturally tailored sex education programs, language-specific outreach initiatives, and community-based healthcare services can help overcome barriers to STI care and promote equitable access to sexual health resources.

Promoting STI Self-Care Management for Marginalized Clients through A Person-Centered Approach

In addressing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among marginalized clients, it is imperative to adopt person-centered actions that prioritize individual needs, experiences, and preferences. By centering the client’s perspective and empowering them to take an active role in their care, person-centered approaches can enhance self-care management and promote positive health outcomes. Two person-centered actions to promote STI self-care management for marginalized clients are:

1. Culturally Tailored Education and Support: Marginalized communities often face unique cultural barriers and stigmas surrounding sexual health, which can hinder their ability to engage in effective self-care management. To address these challenges, healthcare providers can implement culturally tailored education and support initiatives that resonate with the lived experiences and cultural backgrounds of marginalized clients (Singer et al., 2021). This may involve providing information in multiple languages, incorporating cultural symbols and references into educational materials, and engaging community leaders and trusted figures to deliver health messages.

2. Strengths-Based Counseling and Empowerment: In addition to providing information and resources, person-centered approaches to STI self-care management should focus on building clients’ strengths and fostering a sense of empowerment and agency. Strengths-based counseling techniques, such as motivational interviewing and goal setting, can help marginalized clients identify their strengths, values, and personal goals related to sexual health and self-care (Yuen et al., 2020). By affirming clients’ autonomy and resilience, healthcare providers can empower individuals to take ownership of their health and make positive changes in their behaviors and attitudes.

References

CDC. (2023). STD health equity. Cdc.gov. Accessed 19th February 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/std/health-disparities/default.htm

Garcia, P. J., Miranda, A. E., Gupta, S., Garland, S. M., Escobar, M. E., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2021). The role of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention and control programs in reducing gender, sexual, and STI-related stigma. EClinicalMedicine, 33(100764), 100764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100764

Ma, W., Chen, Z., & Niu, S. (2023). Advances and challenges in sexually transmitted infections prevention among men who have sex with men in Asia. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, 36(1), 26–34. https://doi.org/10.1097/qco.0000000000000892

Singer, R. B., Johnson, A. K., Crooks, N., Bruce, D., Wesp, L., Karczmar, A., Mkandawire-Valhmu, L., & Sherman, S. (2021). “Feeling Safe, Feeling Seen, Feeling Free”: Combating stigma and creating culturally safe care for sex workers in Chicago. PloS One, 16(6), e0253749. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253749

Yuen, E., Sadhu, J., Pfeffer, C., Sarvet, B., Daily, R. S., Dowben, J., Jackson, K., Schowalter, J., Shapiro, T., & Stubbe, D. (2020). Accentuate the positive: Strengths-based therapy for adolescents. Adolescent Psychiatry, 10(3), 166–171. https://doi.org/10.2174/2210676610666200225105529