ANTICIPATORY GUIDANCE REGARDING SEX - VIEWS OF VIRGINAL FEMALE ADOLESCENTS

Purpose: To explore virginal female adolescents' perceptions of potent ial discussions with physicians regarding sexuality. Methods: Twenty-s even virginal female adolescents from an urban high school completed a semistructured interview that explored perceptions of: (1) physicians as resources for discussions about sexuality; (2) content of potentia l sexuality discussions with physicians; and (3) risks and benefits of sexuality discussions with physicians. The relative emphasis of respo nses across the sample are described by mean proportional scores (MPS) . Results: Health care professionals were spontaneously identified by 33% of participants as potential resources for discussions about sexua lity issues. Participants' perceptions of the potential content of sex uality discussions with physicians emphasized prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (MPS = .37), and physician counseling (MPS = .22). These topics included alternatives to sex and sex refusal skills. The perceived benefits of such discussions were ga ining information or assistance regarding pregnancy and STI prevention (MPS = .32), talking with an expert (MPS = .19), and having a support ive relationship with a caring adult (MPS = .16). Lack of confidential ity was perceived as the major risk of adolescent-physician sexuality discussions (MPS = .29). Conclusion: Virginal female adolescents perce ive a range of topics regarding sexuality as appropriate for discussio ns with physicians. This should be considered when providing anticipat ory guidance counseling to virginal patients regarding sex. Concerns a bout confidentiality need to be addressed.