Initiating a Standardized Screening Tool for Sexual Histories in College Students

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Christine Koenig (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Autumn Henson

Abstract: Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a consistent and growing problem in the United States. Individuals at risk for contracting an STI are adolescents and young adults. Most college students fall within this category, making them particularly vulnerable to acquiring and spreading these infections. If left untreated, STIs cause detrimental effects such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disorders, reproductive cancers, and spread of infections (Van Gerwen et al., 2022). Obtaining sexual health histories using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s protocol involving the “5 P’s” can ensure early diagnosis and treatment of STIs.. This protocol represents each category of a complete sexual health history: partners, practices, protection from STIs, past history of STIs, and pregnancy intention (CDC, 2022a). Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a standardized sexual health history protocol at a college health center to allow staff to obtain a more thorough history so patients can be treated more effectively. Methods: Providers at a student health clinic were surveyed using a LIKERT scale before and after incorporating the CDC’s standardized protocol in the EMR to assess their opinions on the sexual health template. Results: After implementation, most providers believed the protocol provided enough information to develop a plan before meeting and assessing the patient. Recommendations and Conclusion: This project included a very small sample size, which did not allow for any statistically significant data to be collected so future studies should involve a larger sample size.

Additional Information

Publication
Other
Language: English
Date: 2024
Keywords
sexual health history, benefits of sexual history taking, complete sexual history, standardized protocol, college health center, 5 P’s of sexual history, consequences AND sexual history, sexually transmitted infections

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