The differing views of male and female patients toward chaperones for genital examinations in a sexual health setting

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the attitudes of male and female patients to the use of chaperones during genital examination within a sexually transmitted diseases clinic. STUDY DESIGN: An anonymous, self-completed questionnaire was administered to patients attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between September and October 2006. RESULTS: The participation rate among male and female patients was 60% (166 of 276) and 73% (153 of 210), respectively. Among male patients, only 7.3% and 6.0% expressed a desire for a chaperone when being examined by a male and female practitioner, respectively. Among female patients, 26.8% desired a chaperone if they were going to be examined by a mal..