Attitudes toward SRH discussions with female patients with SCD
Over 84% of respondents (n=78) reported that SRH should be standardized for SCD patients in U.S. care centers; there was no significant difference between pediatric and adult providers. No respondents rated the importance of SRH discussions as unimportant, 4.3% (n=4) rated them as neutral, and 96% (n=88) of respondents rated the importance of SRH discussions as somewhat or very important for AYA women with SCD. Nearly half of respondents (46%, n=41) believe the SCD care provider/team should have the primary role in discussing SRH with AYA with SCD; 24% (n=21) responded that the primary care provider had this responsibility, 17% (n=15) responded adolescent medicine, 12% (n=11) responded obstetrician/gynecologist, 1.1% (n=1) reported “it depends.” There was no significant difference between pediatricians and adult providers in those that thought the SCD team had primary responsibility versus other providers.
Regarding the ideal age to discuss SRH topics with women with SCD, 1 respondent reported that SRH topics should not be discussed, 34% (n=33) reported under age 13 years, 52% (n=48) between age 14 and 16 years, and 5.4% (n=5) between age 16 and 18 years. No respondents reported discussions should occur after age 18 years.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (61%, n=56) believed parents or guardians should be present during discussions about menses. Approximately one-third believed they should be present during discussions around teratogenic medication use and future pregnancy (38%, n=35 and 32%, n=29, respectively). One of five respondents (21%, n=19) believed parents or guardians should be present during contraceptive discussions. Only 1 respondent believed parental presence was advised during discussions around sexual activity.