Sexual health services in Bradford district
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Healthwatch Bradford and District designed and distributed an online text chat-style survey to young people aged 16-25 following initial work with people in this age group to co-produce the survey questions and format. People in this age group living in Bradford district were reached through targeted social media activity and direct contact with local groups and organisations, while posters were also sent to every provider of post-16 education in Bradford district.
The survey ran from February 1 until March 31, 2022. The survey was accessed by more than 300 people in the target group, with a completion rate of about 15%. Healthwatch Bradford and District. approached voluntary-sector organisations to deliver focus groups with Eastern Europeans, South Asian men, Black African men, LGBTQI+ as a discrete focus with young people and also as a wider population and Black African women.
Findings:
- Most respondents used the more traditional methods of accessing sexual health medical support such as GP practices and the family planning clinic.
- Convenience is a hugely important aspect to young people in access to sexual health services. Opening times before or after school/college/work are preferred.Weekend availability is also important, as well as the availability of drop in-clinics. More than 37% of respondents said weekend appointments would work best for them, with more than 32% saying that they would like appointments to be available after school/college/work.
- Regarding where would they like to get more information about sexual health, our respondents’ top preferences were websites, social networking sites and peer education talks.
- The overwhelming theme from the online questionnaire appears to be that the young people of Bradford district are looking for convenience and, unsurprisingly, confidentiality when accessing sexual health services.
- Across all the focus groups and online respondents, there was an almost 50/50 split response when asked if they felt they understood or knew where they could access sexual health services.