Table 4. Examples of Screening Strategies to Elicit PatientReported Risk for HIV Transmission
Open-ended question by clinician, similar to one of the following:
"What are you doing now that you think may be a risk for transmitting HIV to a partner?"
"Tell me about the people you've had sex with recently."
"Tell me about your sex life."
Screening questions (checklist) for use with a self-administered questionnaire;
computer-, audio-, or video-assisted questionnaire; or a face-to-face interview*
"Since your last checkup here," or, if first visit, "Since you found out you were infected
with HIV,"
>> "Have you been sexually active; that is, have you had vaginal, anal, or oral sex with
a partner?"
▶ If yes, "Have you had vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom with anyone?"
▶ If yes,
"Were any of these people HIV-negative, or are you unsure about their HIV status?"
"Have you had oral sex with someone?"
If yes (for a male patient), "Did you ejaculate into your partner's mouth?"
>> "Have you had a genital sore or discharge, discomfort when you urinate, or anal
burning or itching?"
>> "Have you been diagnosed or treated for an STD, or do you know if any of your
sex partners have been diagnosed or treated for an STD?"
>> "Have you shared drug-injection equipment (needles, syringes, cotton, cooker,
water) with others?"
▶ If yes, "Were any of these people HIV negative, or are you unsure about their
HIV status?"
* This checklist can be administered by the patient or clinician and should take 4 minutes.
A positive response to any of the screening questions should cue the clinician to have a more
in-depth discussion to ensure that specific risks are clearly understood.
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