title: Confidentiality and parental involvement in adolescent sexual and reproductive health care: a cross-sectional study of Lithuanian general practitioners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We surveyed Lithuanian general practitioners' (GPs) views on the importance of confidentiality for adolescents and on their practices in informing parents about sexual and reproductive health consultations with this age group.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, a 41-item questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 607 Lithuanian GPs. The purpose of this questionnaire was to gain knowledge about current practices of GPs in informing parents on the importance of confidentiality as well as in protecting the privacy of minors. GPs' knowledge of the current legal age limit of confidentiality protection in patient-provider settings was also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although 67.5% of the responding GPs (response rate 73.5%) stated that they inform the parents or guardians of adolescent patients about the importance of confidentiality, 82.9% of them only did so if the opportunity arose. When consulting on general sexual issues, more than 70% stated that they would guarantee their minor patients confidentiality. However, when cases involved sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, nearly the same percentage said they would inform the parents. 62.3% of GPs incorrectly believed that the law only protects the right to confidentiality for patients who are 18 or older.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings indicate that Lithuanian GPs frequently violate adolescents' right to confidential health services. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the confidentiality of sexual and reproductive health services for this group in Lithuanian primary care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania. ljaruseviciene@gmail.com
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jaruseviciene
authors.forename: Jeffrey V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Lazarus
authors.forename: Apolinaras
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zaborskis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003219:Confidentiality; D003267:Contraception; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D034121:Reproductive Health Services; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis