Clinic-based service programs for increasing responsible sexual behavior
Fortenberry, J.Dennis.
Journal of Sex Research 39(1): 63-66
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4499 PMID: 12476259 DOI: 10.1080/00224490209552122Document Number: 252965
Three general classes of clinic-based programs to increase responsible sexual behavior are considered: (a) clinic-based educational/counseling programs, (b) school clinic-based condom distribution programs, and (c) clinic-based STD/HIV screening programs. Consistent condom use may double in response to clinic-based counseling. However, consistent use seldom exceeds 50% of coital exposures. Extensive and personalized counseling interventions reduce incident sexually transmitted infections by 5% to 10%. Increases in responsible sexual behavior following school-based condom distribution programs is reported in some but not in all studies. Screening programs for sexually transmitted infections are associated with decreases in rates of some infections. STD/HIV screening should be considered an important aspect of healthy sexuality and an adjunct to other counseling efforts.