MMWR: STD-Prevention Counseling Practices and Human Papillomavirus Opinions Among Clinicians with Adolescent Patients–United States, 2004

This report discusses CDC research on evaluating the STD risk assessment, counseling, and education practices of US health care providers during routine adolescent check-ups, and provider opinions regarding methods to prevent HPV. CDC mailed surveys to 5,386 clinicians in seven specialties that commonly provide STD diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Data were collected on clinician demographic, practice, and patient characteristics; STD risk assessment, counseling and education practices; and opinions regarding HPV infection prevention methods. Analyses were conducted for 2,958 clinicians who reported providing routine adolescent checkups. Findings indicated that most clinicians assessed STD risk in their adolescent patients, addressed STD prevention, and recommended STD prevention methods. Clinician opinions varied regarding the effectiveness of methods for preventing HPV infection and whether the patients would use these methods for the long term.