Sexual Health

Research suggests that sexual risk-taking behaviour is increasing across the population.
HIV prevalence in adults increased to 73,000in 2006. An estimate third of people with HIV in the UK remain undiagnosed. New HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals continue to rise in 2006
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and affects and estimated one in ten sexually active young women. Infections reported in sexual Health clinics increased to over 112,473 in 2006. If left untreated it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
Other STIs are also increasing. In 2006 cases of genital warts increased to 83,745 and syphilis increased to 3,702.
Delays in access to diagnoses and treatment lead to more people being infected with STIs
Nearly a quarter of all pregnancies in England and Wales end in abortion. Three in ten of these women have already had one or more previous abortions

Health Inequalities

Sexual ill health is not equally distributed among the population. The highest burden is borne by women, gay men, young people, and black and ethnic minority groups who are disproportionately affected by poor sexual health.
There is evidence that teenage mothers are much more likely to have premature babies, who are consequently at greater risk of lower birth weight and increased risk of death in the first year of infant life.
Becoming a mother in the teenage years can limit education and employment opportunities. Teenage mothers are also more likely to be single parents, again at risk of being unemployed and economically and socially deprived.
As well as the inequalities in sexual health itself, there are significant variations in the way sexual health and preventative services are provided. Most STIs are treatable and it is important, both for the health of the individual and the prevention of infection, that patients and their sexual partners are seen and treated promptly. The West Midlands is one of the worst performers nationally in providing access to a GUM service within 48 Hours, with only 40% of attendees being offered an appointment within 48hours, and only 36% being seen.

In Staffordshire

Staffordshire reflects national trends in the distribution of sexually transmitted infections across the population, with higher prevalence in vulnerable and minority communities. This is further exacerbated through unequal access to sexual health services.
The most common STIs are Chlamydia and genital warts. More women are affected by Chlamydia and herpes, and men are predominantly affected by gonorrhoea, syphilis and herpes.
Teenage pregnancy rates have decreased in Staffordshire, but there remain high levels in Cannock and Tamworth, and higher concentrations are found amongst vulnerable groups of young people at locality and ward levels across Staffordshire.

For more information on sexual health within Staffordshire click on the following link Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Jan 08

National Strategies and Targets

There are a number of national strategies for preventive or early remedial action including the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV, Choosing Health White Paper and the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, and national targets have been set to reduce the health inequalities associated with poor sexual health and teenage pregnancy:

"Tackle the underlying determinants of ill health and health inequalities by reducing the under-18 conception rate by 50% by 2010 as part of a broader strategy to improve sexual health"
By the end of 2007 a 25% reduction in rates of gonorrhoea infections, from a baseline year of 2002
Increase in the percentage of people aged 15-24 accepting Chlamydia screening by 2007
By the end of 2008 everyone seeking an appointment at a genitourinary medicine clinic should be offered an appointment within 28 hours.

Useful Links:

National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV (Department of Health)

Social Exclusion Unit (Teenage Pregnancy Strategy)

Health Protection Agency

What Is Effective in Promoting Sexual Health?

The Health Development Agency evidence briefings summarise evidence on the effectiveness of approaches to promote sexual health and prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Health Development Agency STI Briefing

Health Development Agency HIV Briefing

Local Services

The Staffordshire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership works to reduce teenage conceptions and support teenage parents. Their website provides advice for people working with young people, including teachers, social workers and GPs, in dealing with sexual health and teenage pregnancy.

The Connexions Partnership for Staffordshire has a young people's information website which includes information on how to access sexual health advice and contraceptive services for young people.

http://www.ruteenwise.org.uk/

http://www.cxstaffs.co.uk/yp/living/health/sexual/Clinic-in-a-Box.cfm

Last Modified: 20/11/2008 16:45:59
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