Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Protocols, Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing, and Discussion of Sexual Behaviors in HIV Clinics in Los Angeles County

The authors set out to evaluate the use of written protocols for STD screening, the frequency and types of STD tests performed, and the occurrence and frequency of obtaining sexual risk assessments among HIV clinics. The researchers administered a survey to 36 medical directors, clinic directors, and HIV service providers representing 48 Los Angeles health care clinics.

Fifty percent of clinics reported using a written or electronic protocol for STD testing. Clinics with such protocols were significantly more likely to report questioning patients at each visit regarding their sexual practices (prevalence ratio, 2.2; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.4-3.4). Clinics with written or electronic protocols were not more likely to report more frequent STD testing.

"Written or electronic protocols for STD testing may promote sexual risk assessment questioning among HIV healthcare providers and may help to ensure STD testing per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/IDSA guidelines for HIV-positive persons at sexual risk," the authors concluded.

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