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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. 

Send us your feedback on the glossary.

Register for our free workshop for interpreters on 8 December 2009.

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

Rape

Forcing somebody to have sex against their will/when they do not want to. Can include oral, anal or vaginal sex with penetration by the penis, another part of the body or an object.

Rash

An eruption on the skin which is typically flat or only slightly raised.

RBC (Red blood cell)

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) contain haemoglobin and carry oxygen.

Reactivation

Relating to virus - when the virus comes back or returns.

Receptive partner

Person receiving penis, sex toy, oral sex etc.

Rectum

The lower part of the bowel that stores faeces.

Relapse

To show symptoms of an infection or disease again after it was thought you had recovered.

Reproductive health

Health of the reproductive organs.

Reproductive organs

Female - uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, breasts. Male: Penis, testes.

Resistance

A bacteria or virus is no longer sensitive to a particular drug treatment.

Respite care

Short-term or temporary care to relieve (or give the person a short break) for those who are caring for family members.

Ribavirin

A drug used in combination with pegylated interferon injections to treat HCV.

Risk factor

Events or activities in a person's history that mean they might be at higher risk of a particular condition. Can relate to practices, country of birth or family history.

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid - Genetic material. RNA or DNA form the genetic code of all forms of life.

Rough sex

Sexual practices which involve vigorous movement or increased force, and can include pain. Rough sex can increase risk of BBV/STI transmission or impact.

Printed glossaries

Download print-friendly versions of the glossary:

Amharic   |   Arabic 
Burmese   |   Chinese 
French   |   Hindi 
Indonesian   |   Khmer 
Korean   |   Somali 
Swahili   |   Thai 
Tigrinya   |   Turkish 
Vietnamese  

Doctor and interpreter  

feedback?

Click here to send us your feedback on the BBV/STI Glossary.

 

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.