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BBV-STI Glossary

The BBV/STI Multilingual Glossary is a resource for interpreters who work in health settings. It offers an extensive list of English terms related to sexual health and blood-borne viruses (such as hepatitis) translated into 10 languages, as well as definitions in simple English.

To search for the translation of an English term, first select a language from the list below, and click 'submit'. Then select a letter to view all terms beginning with that letter.

You can also download the glossary as a printed document. Click on the language name in the right-hand column to download a glossary.

Glossaries in Arabic, Chinese, French, Indonesian, Swahili, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese are available online and as print-friendly documents.

Glossaries in Amharic, Burmese, Hindi, Khmer and Tigrinya are only available as print-friendly documents. Click on the language name in the right-hand column to download a glossary.

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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Dam

A square piece of latex used to cover the vagina or anus during oral sex.

Dementia

A progressive organic mental disorder where there is a loss of mental function (confusion, memory loss, loss of ability to think and act clearly) that can develop in older age but also when someone has AIDS.

Dependence

Having to rely on or need something or somebody, often used in relation to drugs or alcohol.

Depression

Not simply sadness, but a potentially serious illness that has physical and psychological symptoms and affects social interactions. Depression occurs commonly in people with chronic and/or severe illness.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin. Can be caused by allergies, drugs, or other causes.

Detectable viral load

A detectable viral load means that the virus can be measured in the blood. Viral loads are measured in the treatment of chronic viral infections e.g. HIV, HBV, HCV.

DHS (Department of Human Services)

Victoria's largest government organisation which funds or delivers many health and community services, including child protection services.

Diagnosis

The conclusion a doctor makes regarding a patient's health condition after assessing their patient's medical history, symptoms, signs, and test results.

Diarrhoea

Liquid or 'loose' watery faeces.

Dietician

A health professional who specialises in advising people about healthy food and fluid intake.

Disclosure

In the health context, disclosure means telling someone that you have a disease. This needs careful consideration because people infected with HIV or HCV may face stigma and discrimination when they tell others about their positive status.

Discrimination

Treating someone unfairly because they are different (immigrants, women, persons living with HIV or AIDS, or persons with a disability) than you are. In Australia, many types of discrimination are against the law.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid - genetic material. DNA or RNA form the genetic code of all forms of life.

DNA test

Used to detect the presence of the genetic material of some viruses or bacteria Eg HBV (RNA for HCV & HIV).

Donor

A human or other organism that gives living tissue to be used in another body, e.g. blood for transfusion, liver for transplant.

Douche

Rinse with water or other liquid to cleanse the vagina or anus.

Drink spiking

The act of placing a intoxicating drug into someone's drink without their consent or knowledge. It is often associated with robbery or rape.

Drug (illicit)

An illegal chemical or substance that is taken via smoking, snorting, swallowing or injecting. People use illicit drugs for their physical and social effects, despite the associated harms.

Drug (medications)

A medicine used to treat an illness.

Drug dependence

The powerful physical or mental need to maintain long-term use of drugs, usually for non-medical purposes. Also called drug addiction.

Drug interaction

Occurs when the effect of one drug is affected by taking a second drug or eating certain foods during the same period of time.

Drug reaction

An unwanted or unexpected response to a drug taken in normal doses.

Drug resistance

A drug is no longer effective because the bacteria or virus has developed resistance to the drug.

Drug tolerance

In physical drug dependence, the body has adjusted to the prolonged use of the drug. Larger doses are required to maintain the same effect.

Dual Protection

Prevents pregnancy and STIs e.g. condoms.

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The BBV/STI Multilingual Glossary is a joint project of the following individuals and agencies:
Suzanne Lau-Gooey
Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT)
Multicultural Health & Support Service
Hepatitis C Victoria, St Vincent's Health
HIV CALD Service - Alfred Health
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society
Melbourne Health
Resourcing Health and Education in the Sex Industry (RhED)

Funding provided by the Department of Human Services, Victoria.

Multicultural Health & Support Service