An exploratory study: Perceptions of STI testing during routine gynecologic care

An exploratory study: Perceptions of STI testing during routine gynecologic care

Objectives: Investigate young women's understanding of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing as provided during routine gynecologic care.

Methodology: A cross sectional study conducted from January 2007 – April 2007 at an urban college campus' health services. Participants were sexually active females, age of 18-24, presenting at the university's health services for their annual gynecologic exam (N=52). Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing sexual behavior, STI knowledge, and accuracy of recall of STI testing occurring during their immediately preceding gynecologic care visit.

Results: Over two-thirds (67.3%) did not accurately know what STIs they were tested for at their immediately preceding routine gynecologic care. Women recently experiencing depression were significantly more likely to report inaccurate understanding (measured by CESD-8 α=.79; P=.001). Further trends in the data may suggest that those with inaccurate understanding of the STIs they were tested for include African American women (P=.17), women with a history of abnormal pap smears (P=.19), women with fewer lifetime visits to the gynecologist (P=.28), and women who've recently had sex while under the influence of drugs/alcohol (P=.29).

Conclusions: Findings suggest that women may not accurately understand STI testing they undergo during routine gynecologic care. Further investigation designed to identify women most likely to hold misconceptions about their STI testing may be warranted.