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THE TEENAGE PELVIC EXAM: THE RELATIONSHIPS OF ATTITUDES KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-ESTEEM

Two hundred ninety-nine female adolescent patients ages 11-22 at three Los Angeles area clinics were studied to determine the relationship between knowledge of their bodies, gynecological history, self-esteem and attitude toward the pelvic exam. The population was 75% black, 16% hispanic, 7% white. Patients came from medical, family planning or teen prenatal clinics. The Texas Social Behavior Inventory was used as a measure of self-esteem. A positive attitude toward pelvic exams was associated with higher levels of both knowledge (p = .0003) and self-esteem (p = .039). However, a small group emerged with high self-esteem and good knowledge who nevertheless had a poor attitude toward pelvic exams. The origin of this paradox is unclear. Physician and parent explanations about the pelvic exam produced significantly better knowledge scores (paired T-test p < .05) than explanations by other health professionals or friends. High knowledge scores were significantly associated with tampon use, contraceptive usage or receipt of health education.