scholarly journals Choose to test: self-selected testing for sexually transmitted infections within an online service

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-174
Author(s):  
Jonathan Syred ◽  
Gillian Holdsworth ◽  
Chris Howroyd ◽  
Kez Spelman ◽  
Paula Baraitser
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Online Service ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Blood Tests ◽  
Syphilis Testing ◽  
Routinely Collected Data ◽  
Sexual Health Service ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectiveTo describe the outcomes of user-led, choice of test within an online sexual health service.MethodsWe analysed routinely collected data from a free, online sexual health service in Essex, UK that enabled users to select their tests. The service website provided information on all sexually transmitted infections, recommended a testing package based on sexuality and ethnicity, and invited users to modify this if they chose. Data on orders were analysed for the 6 months before (May–October 2016) and after (October–April 2017) implementation.ResultsWe compared 7550 orders from 6253 users before and 9785 orders from 7772 users after implementation. There was no difference in the proportion of chlamydia (p=0.57) or gonorrhoea (p=0.79) tests that were positive between the two periods. HIV and syphilis positives were too few in our sample during both periods for analysis. During implementation, men who have sex with men (530 users) were offered genital, rectal and oral chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing plus HIV and syphilis testing. In 17.2% of orders, users removed tests. Black or ethnic minority users excluding those who reported as men who have sex with men (805 users) were offered chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV testing. In 77.9% of orders, users added a test. All other users were offered chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests only. In 65.2% of orders, users added tests. We observed a reduction in orders of 3083 blood tests (31%).ConclusionUsers engaged with the ‘choose to test’ intervention. Although a majority added tests, the intervention was cost saving by reducing the HIV and syphilis tests ordered.

A study of the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and related conditions in pregnant women attending a sexual health service

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 353-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
O J Barney ◽  
M Nathan
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sexual Health Service ◽  
Unselected Population ◽  
Year 2000 ◽  
Health Screen

A retrospective study was undertaken of all women attending a sexual health service during their pregnancies in the year 2000 in order to find the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other conditions commonly screened for in sexual health services among this population. Data relating to demographics, sexual health screen and infections diagnosed were collected. All new female registrations during the same period were additionally identified. The prevalence of disease in the two groups was compared. Data on 164 patients who attended during their pregnancies in the year 2000 were analysed. One STI was identified in 59 patients (36%), two infections in nine patients (5%) and three infections in three patients (2%). An increased prevalence of STIs was noted in those aged 25 and under, compared with those over 25 ( P <0.001). Prevalence of STIs increased with gestation (0.01 < P>0.05). Prevalence of STIs was higher in pregnant women (63/164; 38.4%) compared with all new female registrations (1094/5273; 20.7%; P <0.001) during the same period. Additionally, 8.5% of pregnant women had a negative screen compared with 20% of all new female cases. This study shows the prevalence of STIs to be significantly higher among the pregnant women as compared with all women attending. A trend towards more frequent occurrence of an STI was seen with increasing gestation and young age. Prospective studies are needed to verify these results among an unselected population of pregnant women.

Standards for comprehensive sexual health services for young people under 25 years

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 420-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
K E Rogstad ◽  
I H Ahmed-Jushuf ◽  
A J Robinson
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sexual Health Service ◽  
Contraceptive Services ◽  
Level 2

This document is a first response to the need to develop sexual health services for young people on a single site whilst awaiting research from pilot studies of 'one stop shops' suggested in the Sexual Health and HIV strategy. It is a document which is intended to be a tool to use for those wishing to set up a service providing testing for sexually transmitted infections and provision of contraceptive services for those under 25 years. It is not intended that such a service would replace existing specialist or general practice care but complement it, allowing clients to choose the service most appropriate and acceptable to them, with close links and clear pathways of care for referral between services. This paper should be used as a template when initiating and monitoring a clinic but some of the standards may not be achievable without significant financial input. However, economic limitations should not detract from striving to achieve the best possible care for those most at risk from sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. For example, not all clinics will be able to provide the recommended tests for the diagnosis for gonorrhoea and chlamydia immediately, but should work towards achieving them. Although the upper age limit in this document is defined as 25 years, some providers may wish to limit clinics to those under 20 depending on local needs. Detailed information on specific issues such as consent and confidentiality, provision of contraception, investigation of non-sexually transmitted vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infection management and diagnosis are referenced and we recommend these are accessed by the users of this document. Many of the references themselves are live documents available on the worldwide web, and are constantly updated. The Sexual Health and HIV Strategy has now been published and these standards are aimed at those who wish to provide a level 2 sexual health service for young people wherever the setting e.g. genitourinary outreach clinic, contraceptive services, general practice. This document is a starting point to be reviewed and updated as new research becomes available, as the Sexual Health Strategy is implemented and with further input from providers of care (family planning, general practice, genitourinary medicine, gynaecology and paediatrics) and service users. All service providers must maintain a high quality of care and have networks both with those who provide more specialized services (Level 3) and Level 1 services. This document is an initial attempt to ensure that there is equity of clinical provision wherever a Level 2 sexual health service is provided and should be a useful tool for those setting up or monitoring services.

Can an asymptomatic screening pathway for men who have sex with men be introduced safely at a level 3 sexual health service in the UK?

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Collister ◽  
Manroop Bains ◽  
Rachel Jackson ◽  
Emily Clarke ◽  
Raj Patel
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Health Service ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Uk

scholarly journals Incidence of Hepatitis-C among HIV infected men who have sex with men (MSM) attending a sexual health service: a cohort study

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepa G Gamage ◽  
Tim RH Read ◽  
Catriona S Bradshaw ◽  
Jane S Hocking ◽  
Kerry Howley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Health Service ◽  
Sex With Men

Experiences and challenges in sexual health service access among men who have sex with men in Kenya

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Adam Bourne ◽  
Marina Carman ◽  
Rhoda Kabuti ◽  
Will Nutland ◽  
Elizabeth Fearon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Health Service Access ◽  
Sexual Health Service ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals Partner number and use of COVID-19 risk reduction strategies during initial phases of the pandemic in British Columbia, Canada: a survey of sexual health service clients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Gilbert ◽  
Hsiu-Ju Chang ◽  
Aidan Ablona ◽  
Travis Salway ◽  
Gina Ogilvie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Sexual Health Service ◽  
Open Relationships ◽  
Bivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Number Of Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Objectives Initial public health guidance related to sex and COVID-19 infection focused on reducing partner number. We characterized individuals having a higher partner number during the initial phases of the pandemic. Methods In British Columbia, the initial wave of COVID-19 cases was from March 14 to May 19, 2020, followed by gradual lifting of public health restrictions. We conducted an e-mail survey of existing sexual health service clients during the period of July 23 to August 4, 2020. We used bivariate logistic regression to examine the association between the reported number of sexual partners since the start of the pandemic and key variables (level of significance p < 0.01). Results Of the 1196 clients in our final sample, 42% reported 2+ partners since the start of the pandemic, with higher odds among participants who were men who have sex with men, and single or in open relationships prior to the pandemic. This group was more likely to perceive stigma associated with having sex during the pandemic, and had the highest use of strategies to reduce risk of COVID-19 infection during sexual encounters (mainly focused on reducing/avoiding partners, such as masturbation, limiting sex to a “bubble”, and not having sex). Conclusion Sexual health service clients in BC with 2+ partners during the initial phases of BC’s pandemic used strategies to reduce their risk of COVID-19 infection during sex. Our study provides support for a harm reduction approach to guidance on COVID-19 risk during sex, and highlights the need for further research on stigma related to having sex during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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