Not All Med Students See Safe-Sex Counseling as Relevant to Practice

Student attitudes on the importance of counseling patients about safe sex changed from their freshman to their senior year and varied significantly by anticipated medical specialty.

Risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be lowered with use of safe-sex practices. Investigators surveyed 2300 students in the class of 2003 at 16 U.S. medical schools on three occasions between their freshman and senior years to determine their personal and clinical safe-sex–related knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Of the sexually active nonpartnered students, 75% stated that practicing safe sex was a high personal priority, with the highest rates among women, blacks, and students who were earlier in their training. As seniors, 41% said they had extensive training in discussing safe sex with patients, and 57% were highly confident about their ability to counsel patients. At all three survey times, 55% of students believed sa…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Not All Med Students See Safe-Sex Counseling as Relevant to Practice

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Reviewing Author