Abstract
Between knowledge and practice: are primary care physicians in Poland ready and willing to offer sexually transmitted infections management?
Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
Sexual Health Section, Polish Society of Family Medicine
Adv Dermatol Allergol 2026; XLIII (5): 570-576
Introduction
Enhancing primary care physicians’ access to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a critical strategy for improving population-level sexual health outcomes.
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate primary care physicians’ attitudes towards STI diagnostics, alongside assessing their knowledge and clinical management of STIs.
Material and methods
A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted among primary care physicians in Poland.
Results
The final analysis included 106 physicians practicing in primary healthcare, comprising 81 women and 25 men. The mean age of the participants was 36.7 years (median: 34; range: 27–78). Over half of the respondents accurately identified the availability of free-of-charge STI diagnostic testing within the primary healthcare system. Furthermore, more than 50% reported ordering tests for syphilis or HIV within the preceding 12 months, whereas approximately 40% had initiated diagnostic testing for gonorrheae and chlamydia. The majority of respondents expressed a positive view regarding the introduction (May 2025) of free HIV testing in primary care settings.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that physicians are receptive to conducting STI diagnostics within primary care settings.
Keywords
sexually transmitted infections, venerology, sexual health, primary health care, primary care physicians
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