Health Education

Patients seeking STD treatment may be particularly receptive to educational messages, recognizing the personal vulnerability evidenced by their symptoms. With HIV in the picture, people are more likely to welcome advice. Health education focuses on reducing risky behavior, such as through the use of condoms or other mechanical barriers, and stresses the importance of partner treatment. As time is usually very limited during a consultation, there is a real danger this opportunity for face-to-face education will be missed.