January 2008 Cover
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In a recently published survey of 409 general practitioners in New South Wales, Australia, 72 percent reported feeling completely comfortable treating heterosexual or young patients for sexually transmitted infections
(STIs). But just 40 percent feel comfortable treating STIs in sex workers, gays or lesbians, indigenous Australians, or injection drug users.
The results concern investigators, since survey data show doctors who feel discomfort are less likely to provide patients with adequate STI care, including prevention advice or informational pamphlets. In Australia,
minorities (and particularly, gay men) remain heavily affected by HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
"We'd been concerned that doctors didn't feel as comfortable with sexual health practices and interventions among these groups," said Ian Rankin, president of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations. "A
person's indigenous status, drug-use habits, or homosexuality shouldn't impact on the caliber of care and the basic humanity expressed in a general practice consultation," said Rankin, who was not involved in the study.
from the Australian Associated Press
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