Background:
Taking sexual histories provides opportunities for physicians to assess patients' risk factors for sexual dysfunction and STDs and effectively counsel patients.




Objective:
To determine the sexual history taking and practices of Metro Atlanta primary care physicians in the fields of family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and pediatrics.


Method:
Surveys were initially mailed via Federal Express to a random selection of 1,500 primary care physicians drawn from a local comprehensive physician database. Second and third rounds of surveys were mailed via the US Postal Service to non-responders. 416 surveys were returned (34% response rate after adjusting for undelivered mail and ineligible deliveries). Survey content fell into three domains: (1) training, (2) attitudes, and (3) behaviors, all pertaining to taking a sexual history. Physicians used 5-point Likert scales and check boxes to respond.


Result:
Physicians reported mean levels of training between “some” and “adequate” with respect to taking a sexual history: 56% reported adequate or more than adequate training for taking sexual histories; 64% reported the same for screening and treating. Physicians generally reported that taking a sexual history did not take too much time (57% rarely or never), was important (77% fairly or extremely), was relevant to medical care (85% fairly or extremely), and that they were comfortable taking one (79% fairly or extremely). However, only 58% took sexual histories on a routine basis (annually or at every visit), and fewer yet addressed relevant components of a complete sexual history. Less than a third of physicians who reported they took routine sexual histories asked about abuse histories, sexual practices, or partners' sexual practices.


Conclusion:
Sexual history taking is very important and relevant to most physicians

Implications:
Primary care physicians generally appreciate the need for sexual histories, but need training and practice on appropriate content.