Young people remain poorly informed about sexual health care
More than half of young people are unaware they can self refer to a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic without the need to see their GP first, according to results of a survey published this week.
And 80 per cent of the 18-30 year olds questioned did not realise that
NHS prescriptions are free when receiving treatment at the clinics. The
survey was carried out on behalf of the fpa (a charity devoted to sexual
health and an individual’s reproductive rights) to coincide with
sexual health week, which runs from 2–8 August.
It also showed that 80 per cent of young adults thought it was essential
to be given an information leaflet when getting advice or treatment from
the clinics.
The results of the survey revealed sexually transmitted infections still
carry a stigma with young people. Of the 390 people questioned, 28 per
cent admitted they would be too embarrassed to seek professional help
or advice if they thought they had a sexually transmitted infection and
18 per cent said they would be put off attending because they would have
to have an intimate examination.
The same number also admitted they would not go to a clinic because they
were worried they would have to tell their partners while another 12
per cent were concerned they might meet somebody they know.
Chief executive of fpa Anne Weyman commenting on the survey said: “Worries
about being judged by health professionals or the treatment process are
unfounded, yet these myths persist. Greater availability of information
about STIs in all health settings combined with clear signposting and
joined up working across services is a must to enable men and women to
get the help and advice they need.”
Copies of the fpa’s 10 patient information leaflets on STIs, which
include the latest one on HIV, are available free to health professionals.They
can be obtained from the Department of Health order line on 08701 555
455 or email at doh@prolog.uk.com
Insufficient GUM clinics Another survey by the fpa has discovered
that only two new GUM clinics have opened in the UK since 2002, despite
record numbers of attendance for the diagnosis of STIs. Of the existing
256 clinics more than half were only open 21 hours a week and the
total number of new clinic sessions available in the past two years
was just 31. Only one clinic in the survey was open on a Saturday.
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