Collecting data for sexually transmitted infections (STI) surveillance: what do patients prefer in Flanders?

ABSTRACT:

Background

STI surveillance systems are subject to qualitative and quantitative underreporting. General practitioners (GPs), who are key subjects in case reporting, explain their underreporting partly by their observation that taking a sexual history is embarrassing for patients, and that patients are reluctant to disclose information on their sexual practices. In this study we examine patients' willingness to provide data for STI surveillance.

Methods

A questionnaire-based survey in a stratified population sample of 300 patients aged 18-60 years.

Results

The large majority of respondents stated to be willing to give information on their sexual practices for the purpose of STI surveillance. They preferred to answer sexual history questions to their GP; filling in a fo

SUBMITTER: Verhoeven V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2039737 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature