Background:
The impact of screening for HSV-2 among asymptomatic individuals has been assessed in several studies with mixed results. Among STD clinic attendees there were few significant adverse psychosocial outcomes. However, one qualitative study found strong psychosocial responses. This study was designed to prospectively measure the psychosocial and behavioral response to a new serological HSV-2 diagnosis in students at an urban university.

Objective:
To assess the psychosocial and behavioral impact of HSV-2 serological testing on university students.

Method:
Students age 18 to 35 were eligible if they were sexually active in the past 6 months, and had never been told by a health care provider that they had genital herpes. Subjects' sera were tested for HSV-2 antibodies by Focus ELISA. Participants completed questionnaires at enrollment and 3 months after receiving test results. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of subjects after they received test results.

Result:
Out of 77 subjects who have thus far participated in the investigation, 8 (10%) were HSV-2 seropositive. Before testing, 80% of the subjects predicted that they would be moderately or very upset if they found out they have HSV-2. Almost 80% predicted they would change their sex life as a result and over 75% predicted that they would be concerned about the bad images people have of those infected and that they might have trouble finding a long-term sex partner. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews revealed that testing positive may impact partner relationships, depressive symptoms, and general well being among these students.

Conclusion:
University students predicted a significant negative impact if they tested HSV-2 seropositive. Disruptions in partnerships, depression and anxiety were reported by students who tested seropositive.

Implications:
Programs that provide STD screening services to students may use this information to guide decision making about HSV screening strategies.