New study being conducted into social and cognitive issues that prevent men from finding out about STIs.

Psychology researcher, Naomi Pierce from Carlisle, hopes the research will help to better identify how different social groups may have different risk profiles when it comes to catching and passing on STIs.

A report published by Public Health England in 2015 revealed increases in STI diagnosis in men who have sex with other men — syphilis by 46%, gonorrhea by 32%, chlamydia by 26% and genital herpes and warts by 10% each.

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Through a combination of focus groups and questionnaires, Naomi will explore the social issues deterring men who have sex with men from seeking information on STIs, which may include social groups and peer behavior.

Naomi will also look into the cognitive barriers, including the thinking patterns surrounding STIs that might make information seeking difficult.

Read the full press release here.

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