Highlights

Building trust in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services hinges on ensuring confidentiality and respecting patient privacy. Engaging patients in their own healthcare decisions and maintaining a high standard of professionalism further enhance trust. Accessibility, affordability, and ongoing feedback mechanisms also play key roles in creating a supportive and reliable healthcare environment.

Abstract

Trust is foundational to effective sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This article explores the key elements that foster trust in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) settings, including patient-centered care, transparency, and confidentiality. By integrating principles such as empathy, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services can improve trust and care for patients.

Introduction

Reproductive health means complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all aspects of the reproductive system. Sexual health is a key part of overall well-being and is essential for the sustainable development of societies globally. Healthcare systems should use a holistic approach, assessing not just for disease, but also incorporating evaluations of patients’ sexual orientation and gender identity. Adolescent health is influenced by many biological and social factors, and risky behaviors during this time can have long-lasting effects (1). Many individuals practice several sexual behaviors in their adolescence, which can lead to negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes (2). Founded in 1975, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) works to enhance the health of women, men, and children by prioritizing sexual and reproductive health nationally and globally. The American Public Health Association (APHA) believes that access to all reproductive health services is a basic human right essential for individual and public health.

Patient-Centered Care: Putting Individuals First

Access to respectful, patient-centered sexual and reproductive health services is a basic human right essential for fair global care. Achieving patient-centered sexual and reproductive health services depends on upholding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights, which include individuals' rights to make decisions about their bodies, as well as their rights to privacy, bodily integrity, and personal autonomy (3). Domains of patient-centered sexual and reproductive health include dignity, communication, autonomy, privacy, confidentiality, social support, supportive care, trust, and the health facility environment (4, (5). Patient-centered care, including patient-centered sexual and reproductive health, impacts health outcomes by influencing how people seek care, confidence, engagement, and safety (6). For example, mistreatment during childbirth can discourage women from using health facilities, while continuous support can lead to shorter labor, less anxiety, and better breastfeeding rates (7). Positive interactions and information-sharing can also enhance the use of family planning methods. High-quality care early in life can shape future health and decisions, especially for marginalized groups, highlighting the need for equitable care (8,9). As the focus shifts to patient-centered and asset-building, sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescents, there is a pressing need for tools designed for both teenagers and clinicians to support this type of care. Integrating empathy, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice into sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services enhances patient trust and care. Empathy helps providers connect emotionally with patients, while cultural competence ensures respectful, tailored care for diverse backgrounds. Together, these principles create a more inclusive and effective care experience, leading to better health outcomes and greater patient trust(10).

Evidence-Based Practice in Sexual and Reproductive Health

Evidence-based sexual and reproductive health requires global political and societal support, including active citizen involvement. However, integrating public and patient feedback into research is challenging due to the subjective nature of these contributions. Effective public participation can enhance research quality and clinical practice, especially in sensitive areas like sexual health. Sexual and reproductive health services aim to prevent issues like pregnancy complications, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STI) related health comorbidities,  sexual violence, and preventable cancer deaths in women. Reproductive health, sexual health, reproductive rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment are all crucial for enhancing everyone’s quality of life (11). For example, family planning services have grown globally, focusing more on quality and human rights. Adolescent sexual health has improved with better messaging and services, and new strategies aim to reduce gender-based violence and improve clinical and policy guidelines (12). The global vision is to build healthier lives through evidence-based healthcare to improve quality of life. However, evidence-based medicine faces challenges, including inadequate patient and public involvement in research, which leads to reduced acceptance; insufficient inclusion of patients' experiences, which affects the relevance of evidence; and a lack of shared decision-making guidelines, which hampers effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients(13,14).

The Importance of Assessing Sexual Health

Assessing sexual health can reveal crucial insights into overall well-being, as issues like erectile dysfunction may signal underlying health risks, such as cardiovascular problems(15). It also helps address treatment side effects, like sexual dysfunction from antihypertensives and antidepressants (16). Providers should be mindful of sexual health issues in patients with conditions like obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, using these connections to highlight the importance of sexual health and motivate behavioral changes. Ignoring sexual health can lead to missed opportunities for comprehensive care (17

Conclusion

Building trust in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services is crucial for effective care and improved health outcomes. This involves maintaining confidentiality, engaging patients in decision-making, and ensuring accessibility and professionalism. The Sexual and Reproductive Health Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) emphasizes the importance of integrating patient-centered care, evidence-based practices, and public involvement to address the diverse needs of individuals globally. Healthcare professionals must prioritize these principles to enhance sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, prevent health issues, and support equitable, high-quality care for global communities.