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Osteopathic Physicians and HIV/STI Prevention: Are HIV Testing and Sexual History–Taking Part of Routine Patient Care?

Journal: The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association Date: 2009/08, 109(8):Pages: 436. doi: Subito , type of study: cross sectional study

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2009.109.8.425/html)

Keywords:

cross sectional study [821]
HIV [41]
osteopathic physicians [203]
patient history [3]
USA [1610]

Abstract:

Objective: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised guidelines for HIV testing in healthcare settings. The guidelines include recommendations for frequency of HIV testing and “opt out” consent. This study was conducted to understand the behaviors and attitudes of osteopathic physicians toward HIV testing and sexual history–taking as well as examine barriers to both. Methods: With IRB approval, an anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted at the 2009 Annual FOMA Convention. Survey participants were asked questions regarding sociodemographics, attitudes, and office practices regarding sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV testing, and sexual history–taking. A total of 233 attendees completed the survey and 160 qualified for this study based on entry criteria. Univariate statistics were explored via SPSS 16.0. Results: Although 65% of physicians provide HIV testing in the office, 77% do not recommend testing at patient's initial visit. Fifty-eight percent of the study participants who obtain a general consent do not include permission for HIV testing on the general consent form. When an HIV test is performed, 87% of physicians precede it with a separate consent form, and 89% used an ELISA test. Furthermore, 81% agreed or strongly agreed that it is very important to obtain a separate consent form before an HIV test. Sixty-three percent recommended an annual HIV test for gay men, 85% recommended an HIV test for patients with a new STI, and 59% recommended an annual STI screening for patients with a history of STIs. Nearly 80% had a positive attitude toward sexual history being part of the initial patient visit. Thirty-one percent of physicians updated a patient's sexual history only when pertinent information is provided by the patient. Regarding sexual history–taking, 84% asked about marital status, 76% asked about history of STIs, 60% asked about gender of sex partners, 53% asked about number of sex partners, and 19% asked about sexual satisfaction. Conclusion: This study suggests that many Florida osteopathic physicians have not yet adopted CDC recommendations regarding routine HIV testing in all healthcare settings. Although most physicians recommend annual testing for patients in high-risk groups (ie, gay men), more concerted efforts are needed to help physicians incorporate HIV testing as part of routine care for all of their patients.


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