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Health Education Population Survey (HEPS): Update from 2004 Survey - Final Report

9. Sexual health

While the incidence of teenage pregnancy has been relatively stable over the past ten years, live birth rates among this group are relatively high in Scotland and the UK compared with other countries in Western Europe. It is also increasingly clear that socio-economic disadvantage can be both a cause and a consequence of teenage parenthood. At present, the major policy focus in sexual health includes reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while recognising the need to address broader issues of sexuality and personal relationships in order to achieve this. The rising number of reported STIs among young people, particularly young women, is a growing cause for concern, although increased reporting may in part be explained by greater awareness of the symptoms of STIs and the risks of untreated infections, as well as willingness to seek treatment. While the extent of HIV infection has not proved as great as predicted, Towards a Healthier Scotland highlights the importance of continued vigilance with respect to sustained levels of new HIV infections. Existing research on teenage sexuality in Scotland has been synthesised and published as part of the HEBS Evidence into Action series, which draws out the implications for practice, policy and research⁸. A national strategy for Scotland on sexual health and relationships was published in January 2005 (Respect and Responsibility: A strategy and action plan for improving sexual health, Scottish Executive, January 2005).

Health education activities in this area have been primarily targeting young people via sex education in schools, encouraging condom use and providing information on STIs and HIV and advice and treatment services.

The Health Education Population Survey assesses self-reported changes in sexual behaviour, attitudes toward condom use and information needs on sexual health topics. These questions were asked in the self-completion section of the questionnaire. There have been no changes in behaviour or in attitudes towards condom use so these will not be discussed in this report, although figures are given in Appendix C. The focus will, instead, be on information needs.

⁸ Burtney, E. (2000) Teenage Sexuality in Scotland. HEBS, Edinburgh

9.1 Information needs

Respondents were asked if they had enough information on a number of sexual health topics. These questions were only asked in either March or September from 1996 to 2002.

Table 9.1 Proportion wanting more information on sexual health topics

Expressed need for information on each of these topics has been falling since 1996 and has fallen more sharply in 2004. Respondents were most likely to want information about STIs, with the 16-24 age group equally likely to want information on HIV tests. Only a minority wanted information on any topic. In 2004, those aged 16-24 were less likely to want information on HIV/AIDS transmission and emergency contraception.

Main points

• There was a declining demand for more information on recognising the symptoms of STIs (20%), having an HIV test (13%) , HIV transmission (9%) and emergency contraception (7%).
• In 2004 there was a decrease in demand amongst those aged 16-24 for information on HIV/AIDS transmission (16%) and emergency contraception (9%).