Sexual health risk assessment and counseling in primary care: How involved are general practitioners and obstetrician-gynecologists?

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined physicians' evaluation of sexual health risks during a general medical examination and sexually transmitted disease (STD) counseling during consultations for adolescent contraception and treatment of an STD. Methods. An anonymous mail survey was conducted in 1995 with a stratified random sample of 1086 general practitioners and all 241 obstetrician-gynecologists practicing in Quebec, Canada. Results. Fewer than half of the respondents reported routinely inquiring about condom use and number of sexual partners during a general medical examination. Female general practitioners engaged in more sexual health risk assessment and counseling than male general practitioners. Conclusions. This study suggests a low level of involvement in STD prevention by generalists and obstetrician- gynecologists.