Sexual history taking and sexually transmissible infection screening practices among men who have sex with men: A survey of Victorian general practitioners

Abstract

Background: HIV notifications among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Victoria, Australia, have increased recently. Early HIV diagnosis is a prevention strategy that requires general practitioners (GP) to recognise at-risk individuals and perform screening. Sexual history taking is part of this process. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 354 Victorian GP to investigate attitudes and practices regarding sexual history taking and screening for HIV in MSM. Results: In total, 185 (53%, 95% CI: 47-58%) GPs reported being 'very likely' to take a sexual history from MSM presenting for a routine check-up; however 161 (46%, 95% CI: 40-51%) would not do so during the initial consultation. Barriers ..