15th Annual Conference of the British HIV Association 1-3 April 2009, Liverpool, UK

PROMOTION OF SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES TO MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN, OFFERING HEPATITIS B VACCINATIONS IN KNOWN GAY VENUES

HIV Med 2009 Apr 1-3 (Suppl 1);15:18 (abstract no. P14)

S Toomer, J Sweeney and W Wasef
Blackpool PCT, Blackpool, UK

BACKGROUND: Sexual health promotion is vital for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) particularly among high-risk population. An outreach project of accelerated courses of Hepatitis B vaccination programme took place to raise sexual health awareness in gay bars and to promote Hepatitis B vaccination.

METHODS: The vaccination programme was implemented in a town centre bar over a thirteen week period. The team consisted of one HIV specialist nurse, one health advisor, one health care assistant and two volunteers from a local HIV organization. The volunteers visited local gay bars every Thursday evening to promote the service. Each client was given clinical information sheet and an evaluation questionnaire.

RESULTS: Fifty-eight clients completed the evaluation sheet from which forty (84%) completed the full vaccination course. Eight had prior vaccination so received booster injection whilst ten didn’t complete the vaccination course. Additionally, seventeen clients also requested information about HIV, four of which booked appointments for HIV testing. Sixteen clients requested more information about STIs whilst one booked an appointment for sexual health screening. Ten requested more information regarding safer sex. Ninety-eight percent of clients said that they would like to see this type of service extended

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that sexual health promotion could be improved by delivering services in the community especially amongst a high-risk population.

2009-04-01
P14

Copyright © 2009 - British HIV Association (BHIVA) Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BHIVA Organising Secretariat 1 Mountview Court, 310 Friern Barnet Lane, London N20 0LD