Young People's Sexual Health Report
Download (PDF 393.32 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Darlington wanted to understand young people's awareness of available sexual heath services and identify the barriers preventing access. They undertook a survey to which 45 people responded.
The survey revealed that over three in five respondents were aware of available sexual health services. Over a third had used sexual health services, with the majority seeking STI testing (70%) and contraception (60%). Key barriers to access included stigma, embarrassment, difficulty securing appointments, and a lack of information.
When asked about service quality, nearly three in five expressed neutrality, while nearly one in five were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.
Online resources were the preferred method of obtaining sexual health information for 60% of young people.
Additionally, gaps in education were identified, with 50% highlighting a lack of STI awareness, a third noting insufficient coverage of LGBTQ+ issues, and a sixth calling for better education on consent.
To address these concerns, the report recommends increasing awareness through targeted campaigns, improving accessibility by expanding services, reducing stigma through education, and enhancing digital outreach and educational content.