Surveillance data concerning sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has shown large increases in bacterial STI diagnoses among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) attending sexual health services (SHS) in England between 2021 and 2022.
While recent increases are inkeeping with the recovery of sexual health service provision and increased STI testing over that period, they are consistent with increasing STI diagnosis trends seen in GBMSM prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To complement existing routine surveillance, and provide further insight from GBMSM who may not regularly attend sexual health services, University College London (UCL), in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is inviting GBMSM to complete the voluntary survey, Reducing inequalities in Sexual Health (RiiSH 2023).
The survey is completely anonymous and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Responses will be used to gain additional information on the personal and sexual wellbeing, behaviour, SHS use and uptake of HIV/STI prevention interventions among GBSM, including HIV-PrEP, doxycycline prophylaxis and Mpox vaccination.
Outputs from the 2023 survey and previous survey rounds can be used to tailor:
- future HIV/STI prevention programmes and interventions
- the planning and implementation of better sexual health promotion
- commissioning and provision of sexual health services.
To access the survey, click here: RiiSH 2023_Community (phe.org.uk)
The closing date for responses is 30 November 2023
Hope House Sexual Health Services
Hope House provides sexual health services that support healthy relationships and sexual wellbeing across Gloucestershire. The service offers free, friendly, non-judgmental, confidential testing, treatment and advice for sexually transmitted infections, as well as a wide range of contraception options, including emergency contraception, contraceptive pills, implants, injections, patches, coils and condoms.
It also provides an HIV and Pregnancy Advisory Service; both of which are free, confidential and available to anybody – even those aged under 16.
To find out more about the services available at Hope House visit: www.hopehouse.nhs.uk
