A Novel 8 Ps Framework for Addressing Complexities in Sexual Health Histories for US Healthcare Providers

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sexual Health
• Health Communication

Background:

• Current sexual health frameworks, like the 5 Ps, focus on behavior, potentially causing bias and stigma.
• The 6 Ps framework added sexual satisfaction, but limitations remain in comprehensive sexual health care.
• Patient-provider communication is crucial for effective, sex-positive sexual healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an expanded sexual health history model.
• To foster more inclusive and affirming sexual health discussions.
• To improve patient-provider communication and acknowledge social determinants of sexual well-being.

Main Methods:

• Building upon existing sexual health history frameworks (e.g., 5 Ps, 6 Ps).
• Developing an expanded model to reorient healthcare providers.
• Incorporating broader social and structural determinants of sexual health.

Main Results:

• An expanded 8 Ps sexual health history model is proposed.
• The model introduces 'Proximity' (environmental influences) and 'Perspectives' (personal beliefs).
• These additions address limitations of behavior-centric approaches.

Conclusions:

• Addressing non-behavioral contexts like environment and beliefs is key.
• This approach can mitigate limitations of prior sexual health frameworks.
• Enhancing discussions can improve understanding of vulnerabilities to HIV and STIs.