The truth is rarely pure and never simple: A study of some factors affecting history-sharing in the GUM clinic setting

This paper describes a preliminary study undertaken by one of the authors (CB) within a South London GUM clinic in 2000. The research considered sexual history sharing between the patient and the physician. A self-completed questionnaire was used to determine whether patients withhold or falsify information, and what factors influenced this. The findings showed that patients do withhold information and that there are reasons for this. Influences are related to perceived social desirability, language and concerns about confidentiality. Of all factors considered (ethnicity, age, educational level, sexual orientation, relationship status, and gender), only gender proved to be statistically significant. Women acknowledged in the questionnaire that they withheld information from their physician. Results indicated that the subjects were aware of the sensitivity of their situation, and most said they recognized the safety of the GUM setting in sharing a complete history.