Sexually transmitted disease prevention in adolescents and young adults.
OBJECTIVE
Sexuality is one of the most pervasive aspects of the human life cycle. It warrants attention in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, and is an integral part of each health maintenance visit. Given this, it is unfortunate that U.S. medical schools do not offer more training in soliciting sexual histories and initiating dialogue about sexually healthy lifestyles.


METHODS
Fourth-year medical student completed an adolescent and young-adult sexually transmitted disease elective.


RESULTS
This elective allows medical students to confront personal biases and discomfort levels yet remain objective. It is also an opportunity to explore how the provider's body language and facial expressions can discourage information disclosure. Although sexuality is very prevalent in our society today, patients may still be apprehensive about discussing details of their sexual practices. Therefore, it becomes incumbent upon the physician to create an environment free from personal prejudice in order to best serve the patient.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to promote sexual health awareness in a society that can be conservative and judgmental in this subject matter, it is essential to train all healthcare providers to lead discussions, educate patients and provide treatment in hopes that sexual health promotion will become as important as other socially accepted healthcare concerns.
Williams
Carol Renee
CR
Wimberly
Yolanda
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000295:Adolescent Medicine / Q000193:education*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003142:Communication; D003151:Community Health Centers; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*