Abstract
Little is known regarding the specific discussions health care providers (HCP) have with their patients and how these discussions may increase rates of HIV/STI screening. The main objective of this study was to examine the content of HCP-patient discussions and associations with HIV/STI screening while adjusting for patient characteristics. Using the 2017–2019 National Survey of Family Growth data, seven survey-weighted multivariable multinomial/binary logistic regression models were analyzed in men ages 15–49 years old (N = 4260). Patients had significantly higher odds of a lifetime HIV test when their HCP asked about number of sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.325; 95% CI 1.379–3.919) and discussed HIV/AIDS (aOR = 4.149; 95% CI 2.877–5.983). Odds of a recent STI screening were higher among patients with HCP that asked about: sexual orientation (aOR = 1.534; 95% CI 1.027–2.291), number of sexual partners (aOR = 2.123; 95% CI 1.314–3.430), use of condoms (aOR = 2.295 95% CI 1.484–3.548), type of sexual intercourse (aOR = 1.900; 95% CI 1.234–2.925), and discussed HIV/AIDS (aOR = 1.549; 95% CI 1.167–2.056). Results may provide insight on how HCPs may potentially promote HIV/AIDS and STI screening among men and which patient groups are more likely to receive a discussion of risks factors from their HCPs.
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Availability of Data and Materials
National Survey of Family Growth data are publicly available and are housed on the CDC website.
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The SAS code utilized to conduct statistical analysis is available by request to the corresponding author.
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AM developed the study idea, conducted the literature review, cleaned data, and conducted statistical analysis. AM and MN interpreted results. AM, MN, and SG wrote the introduction, methods, and discussion section. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Mendez, A.D., Neelamegam, M. & Griner, S.B. Health Care Provider Discussions Regarding HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Factors and Associations with HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Among Men. Arch Sex Behav 52, 2111–2121 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02629-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02629-z