Objective: This study examined how patients' clinical and peer interactions may affect their communication apprehension with healthcare providers, a major communication barrier to sexual health protective behaviors (SHPB).
Methods: Between January 2022 and February 2023, we conducted an online survey with 310 participants recruited through snowball sampling. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we explored relationships among patient-provider interactions, peer communication about sex, communication apprehension with providers, and SHPB intentions.
Results: Significant predictors of SHPB intentions included lower communication apprehension and more peer communication. Communication apprehension was a significant mediator in paths from peer communication and three types of patient-provider communication to SHPB intentions.
Conclusions: Our study indicates the need to address communication barriers to increase patients' SHPB intentions. Active patient involvement and patient-centered communication may open up discussions about sex in the clinical setting. Peer interactions, informed by scientific guidance, may reduce patients' apprehension, leading to better health outcomes.
Practice implications: Communication interventions are needed to promote collaborative patient-provider environments and peer sexual communication. Active involvement and evidence-based discussions can help patients navigate difficult conversations (e.g., like sex), improving SHPB.
Keywords: Communication apprehension; Patient-centeredness; Patient-provider communication; Peer communication; Sexual health.
Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.