Screening for sexually transmitted diseases by primary care physicians.
The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic has drawn attention to screening for sexually transmitted diseases by primary care physicians. A telephone survey of primary care physicians in an area with a high incidence of STDs (Washington, DC) to ascertain the determinants and the extent of screening and counseling for STDs was completed in 1987. Ninety-nine physicians (33 internists, 38 obstetrician/gynecologists, and 28 family/general practitioners), representing 61% of those eligible, completed the interview. One third (39.4%) were screening for gonorrhea, more than one half (57.5%) for syphilis, and almost all (94%) had tested at least one individual for human immunodeficiency virus infection. Analysis suggested that concomitant screening for hepatitis B was significantly and positively associated with screening for gonorrhea and syphilis. Less than half (45.9%) of the physicians asked new patients about their sexual practices. Physicians should take histories of sexual practices and do more preventive counseling.
Bowman
M A
MA
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
Fredman
L
L
English
D K
DK
Rabin
D L
DL
Sardeson
K
K
Taggart
V S
VS
Bandemer
C
C
D003376:Counseling; D003625:Data Collection; D004219:District of Columbia; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000517:prevention & control; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012306:Risk; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013587:Syphilis / Q000517:prevention & control