GENITOURINARY MEDICINE STAFF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE RISKS OF SPECIFIC SEXUAL BEHAVIORS IN THE TRANSMISSION OF HIV

The aim of this study was to investigate the consistency of informatio n about HIV sexual transmission provided by genitourinary medicine (GU M) staff to their patients. This staff group's knowledge of specific s exual risk behaviours was obtained using a self-administered anonymous 21-item questionnaire. Results for 106 respondents revealed considera ble inconsistency amongst GUM staff's risk ratings of different sexual activities. These inconsistencies in risk ratings were significantly related to profession and gender. The results are discussed in terms o f the lack of available consistent information about oral sex as well as less conventional sexual activities. The results support the need f or a strategy to ensure the provision of clear and consistent messages about the sexual transmission of HIV. Any sexual health promotion str ategy within GUM clinics needs to review and audit the quality of info rmation given by health professionals to patients.