Professional Perspectives on Asking Patients About Unmentioned Sexual Health Concerns & Violence: The Adult Version of the SEXual Health Identification Tool (SEXIT).

Abstract

Sexual health concerns, experiences of violence, and risk-taking behaviors significantly impact various aspects of life, leading to adverse health outcomes. Unfortunately, few patients disclose these problems to healthcare providers (HCPs) due to shame and fear. While HCPs recognize the importance of addressing sexual and reproductive health related issues, time constraints, lack of knowledge, and fear of embarrassing patients often hinder thorough investigation. SEXIT (SEXual health Identification Tool) was developed to facilitate and initiate conversations about sexual health, experiences of violence, and risk-taking behaviors between youths aged 13-24 and HCPs. However, no comparable methods exist for adults. This study aimed to explore which questions professionals believe HCPs should ask adult patients. Using a Delphi methodology, 19 academic and/or clinical experts participated in two online questionnaire rounds and a web meeting. The panel identified 25 highly relevant questions covering diverse areas (e.g., sexual and gender identity, sexual satisfaction, experiences of violence, and substance use). These questions may empower adult patients to disclose sexual health concerns, enabling HCPs to comprehensively address these issues during medical history assessments. The identified questions have been incorporated into the development of the SEXIT Adult questionnaire.