Clinic‐based service programs for increasing responsible sexual behavior

Abstract

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.