Sexually transmitted infection health-care seeking behaviour in the Netherlands: general practitioner attends to the majority of sexually transmitted infection consultations
van Bergen, J.Eam.; Kerssens, J.J.; Schellevis, F.G.; Sandfort, T.G.; Coenen, T.T.; Bindels, P.J.
International Journal of Std and Aids 18(6): 374-379
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0956-4624 PMID: 17609024 DOI: 10.1258/095646207781024883Document Number: 670823
Health-care seeking behaviour for sexually transmitted infection (STI)-related symptoms is not well known in the Netherlands. Within the framework of a large representative study, the second National Survey of General Practice (NIVEL 2001), 9687 persons aged 18 years and older were interviewed about their STI and STI-related health-care seeking behaviour. In total, 1.2% of the interviewees reported STI-related symptoms in the past year (18-24 years: 5%). A (lifetime) history of STI was reported by 2.7% (18-44 years: 4%). In all, 63% of interviewees visited their general practitioner (GP) for these complaints; 20% went to an STI-clinic and/or municipal public health services and 8% to a different care-provider. A total of 9% did not undertake any action. The majority of persons with STI-related symptoms in the Netherlands visit the GP. Reported history of STI-related symptoms was twice lower in the Netherlands compared with the UK National Sexual Health Survey. Appropriate attention for sexual health in primary care is needed.