Female patient and physician communication and discussion of gynecological health care issues

Abstract

This investigation found that trust and receptivity in a physician and the female patient's communication apprehension were significant predictors of the patient's: (1) likelihood of discussing health care with gynecologists, (2) knowledge of gynecological health needs, and (3) feelings toward the gynecologist at the time of examination. Patient's communication apprehension contributed the most to likelihood to discuss, while feelings toward the physician at the time of examination and trust in physician contributed the most to knowledge about health needs. Receptivity of physician was not a significant contributor for any of the variables. The physician's gender did not produce significant differences, but the more often one sees the gynecologist, the greater one's knowledge and the more positive one's feeling toward the physician at the time of examination are.