Adolescent perspectives on patient-provider sexual health communication: a qualitative study
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Authors
Hoopes, Andrea J.
Benson, Samantha K.
Howard, Heather B.
Morrison, Diane M.
Ko, Linda K.
Shafii, Taraneh
Issue Date
2017-09-20
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Community Health , Patient-Centeredness , Pediatrics , Risky Sexual Behavior , Qualitative Methods
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: Adolescents in the United States are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Adolescent-centered health services may reduce barriers to health care; yet, limited research has focused on adolescents’ own perspectives on patient-provider communication during a sexual health visit. Methods: Twenty-four adolescents (14-19 years old) seeking care in a public health clinic in Washington State participated in one-on-one qualitative interviews. Interviews explored participants’ past experiences with medical providers and their preferences regarding provider characteristics and communication strategies. Results: Interviews revealed that (1) individual patient dynamics and (2) patient-provider interaction dynamics shape the experience during a sexual health visit. Individual patient dynamics included evolving level of maturity, autonomy, and sexual experience. Patient-provider interaction dynamics were shaped by adolescents’ perceptions of providers as sources of health information who distribute valued sexual health supplies like contraception and condoms. Participant concerns about provider judgment, power differential, and lack of confidentiality also emerged as important themes. Conclusions: Adolescents demonstrate diverse and evolving needs for sexual health care and interactions with clinicians as they navigate sexual and emotional development.
Description
Citation
Hoopes, A. J., Benson, S. K., Howard, H. B., Morrison, D. M., Ko, L. K., & Shafii, T. (2017). Adolescent Perspectives on Patient-Provider Sexual Health Communication: A Qualitative Study. Journal of primary care & community health, 8(4), 332–337. https://doi.org/10.1177/2150131917730210
Publisher
Journal of Primary Care & Community Health