Should we change the focus of health promotion in sexual health clinics?
Rudiger Pittrof A C and Elizabeth Goodburn BA Town Clinic, Wenlock House, 33 Eaton Road, Enfield EN1 1NJ, UK.
B James Wigg Practice, Kentish Town Health Centre, 2 Bartholomew Road, London NW5 2BX, UK.
C Corresponding author. Email: rudiger.pittrof@enfield.nhs.uk
Sexual Health 7(4) 407-410 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH09107
Submitted: 29 September 2009 Accepted: 3 June 2010 Published: 10 November 2010
Abstract
The effectiveness of sexual behaviour change interventions in sexual health clinics is unknown. Risk factors for poor sexual and reproductive health such as depression, violence, alcohol and smoking in sexual health clinics are all common and can be identified easily in sexual health services. Targeting these risk factors could be as effective as traditional sexual health promotion and could have additional benefits. The authors propose a pilot to assess the cost-effectiveness and acceptability of incorporating screening and interventions for these risk factors.
Additional keywords: alcohol, depression, domestic violence, service development, smoking.
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