Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ Practices, Statistical Literacy, and Risk Communication with Regard to Sexually Transmitted Infections

Title:Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ Practices, Statistical Literacy, and Risk Communication with Regard to Sexually Transmitted Infections

Volume: 13 Issue: 5

Author(s): Meaghan A. Leddy, Britta L. Anderson and Jay Schulkin

Affiliation:

Keywords: Barriers, HCV, HIV, HPV, obstetrician-gynecologists, risk communication, screening, sexually transmitted infections, vaccination.

Abstract: In order to best care for women, obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) must be able to diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as effectively communicate risks regarding STIs. This article provides a narrative review of studies primarily conducted by the Research Department at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about missed opportunities for STI risk communication. Missed opportunities include the omission or partial completion of STI risk assessment and counseling, failure to offer screening or testing, lack of follow-up on STI testing/vaccination refusals, and a failure to comply with existing guidelines. We also discuss knowledge level, time constraints, and gaps in statistical literacy as barriers to STI communication. The aim of this article is to highlight common barriers to risk communication, discuss their potential impact, and suggest means by which these obstacles can be addressed. Future directions for training, education, and research are discussed.

Cite this article as:

Leddy A. Meaghan, Anderson L. Britta and Schulkin Jay, Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ Practices, Statistical Literacy, and Risk Communication with Regard to Sexually Transmitted Infections, Current HIV Research 2015; 13 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570162X13666150511141942