Sexual health and students: the pathways travelled by those with sexual health concerns
Georgia Freeman A B E , Lucy Watchirs Smith B , Anna McNulty C D and Basil Donovan B CA Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
B Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
C Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
D School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: gkfreeman12@gmail.com
Sexual Health 15(1) 76-78 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH17083
Submitted: 20 April 2017 Accepted: 18 July 2017 Published: 20 October 2017
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the type of research (Internet, phone lines, friends, family, media or medical journal) undertaken by university students with sexual health concerns, and the effect this research had on their healthcare-seeking behaviour. The Internet was the most common (46%) first point of call for health information, closely followed by doctors (40%). Of those who undertook extra research, the majority subsequently went to a doctor. Health practitioners need to be aware of this tendency for independent research.
Additional keywords: information sources, Internet, websites, young people.
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