Health
Pediatricians cite barriers in talking about sexual risks
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 16, 2004
Nearly all pediatricians believe it is important to discuss with their patients ways to reduce risks associated with sex but most don't have the time or resources to do it, according to a study presented at the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok last month.
Of the more than 500 pediatricians surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 87% believed it was their role to provide information about sexual risk reduction, and 85% of them did so if parents asked for the information.
About 62% said, however, that parents often didn't ask, and 74% felt they didn't have the time to provide the education.
To make improvements, 83% wanted a high-quality brochure to hand to patients. In response, the CDC will be working with American Academy of Pediatrics to develop such literature.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/08/16/hlbf0816.htm.
