In thinking this is a very odd question to ask?

[catofdoom]

I got called by a government health agency yesterday (in USA) to take part in a questionnaire.

I usually refuse these types of surveys but then a doctor friend told me how important it is for people to do them so they can get a better idea of where healthcare is failing etc.

So I agreed to do it.
Over an hour of questions.

About our healthcare providers and coverage, all conditions, our living practices (how much do you drink, smoke, tv, vegetables etc) then this one dropped in 'have you had anal sex without a condom in the last 7 days?'

I was so surprised I said I'd rather not answer that and got all spluttery!

Spoke to doctor friend last night (over for dinner, I didn't call her especially) who was really surprised and couldn't see what 7 days would have to do with anything.

I'm not going to lose sleep over it but crikey, what a personal question!

St Charlotte you can't just drop that and leave! Details please!

They also asked if I regularly smoked 'marijuana or hashish'. I cracked up at that. And 'cigarillos or any small cigars'. Weed is legal here now.

There was a very long bit about e cigarettes too. I think they're considering banning them in public here (I think other states have) so that would make sense.

Suspect the interviewer was bored and threw that in there. Doubt it's on the official question list 😂

@StCharlotte good lord. Did you walk out?!

See, he was being all topical and relevant. Engaging with you on substantive issues before getting into bum sex. Better than a lot of dates I've been on.

@Waytooearly 🤣 That's true. I spent a good 10 years on and off online dating. He's definitely up there with the most effort put in.

I could tell you but I'd have to kill you

They ask questions about anal sex and sex for drugs/money (minus the 7 day thing) in the UK when you give blood as if the answer was yes you would be more likely to have an STI/HIV. I wonder if it was something to do with that as if it's recent I think there are some preemptive drugs you can take to stop you getting HIV if you have been at risk of catching it.

@WhyDoesItAlways they did ask quite a few HIV questions. Not if I had it (they were very clear before they asked that they didn't want to know if i had it or not) just wanted to know about the testing for it.

A lot of the questions really seemed like they were trying to see if doctors were doing what they are meant to. They asked whether I'd been offered lung cancer screens and my friend told me that doctors are meant to now when you have your checkups.

Lots of questions about sexuality and gender identification too.

The census woman asked me those too.

They ask about anal sex between men and sex work when donating blood as there’s a three month exclusion period before you can donate. It used to be an absolute exclusion for both.

@WhyDoesItAlways I wonder if it was something to do with that as if it's recent I think there are some preemptive drugs you can take to stop you getting HIV if you have been at risk of catching it.

Yes - it’s called PEP but it has to be started within 72 hrs of a possible HIV risk exposure and then continued for 28 days. So although the OP was asked other questions about STIs I can’t see a connection with asking about anal sex in the last 7 days 🤷‍♀️, Also, as Rasberry says re donating blood, the max window period for it to show up in a test is 3 months. Or there’s a PrEP that can be taken regularly to stop HIV being contracted (much like the contraceptive pill only more effective!).

OP it does sound like a good survey if it will help with getting better health car - though in the USA isn’t it all insurance based? I don’t think we get lung cancer checks as standard in the UK.