Young men and women would be happy to be offered chlamydia screening, contraception and HIV tests from GPs, a UK study has shown.

A total of 30 patients, 21 female, aged 16 to 24 were recruited from face to face interviews from practices in different areas of England to provide a mix of deprivation, ethnicity and urban/rural locations.

The interview schedule was based on previous research on attitudes to chlamydia screening and included: attitudes to being offered chlamydia screening, contraception, condoms and HIV tests; perceived attitudes of staff and friends; perceived barriers and behavioural control; and opinions on receiving the service. Interviews lasted 20-30 minutes and were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using a thematic framework.

None of the participants objected to any of the questions and all the interviews were completed.

Most would be happy to discuss contraception with their GP, although some would prefer to get condoms from a shop.

The key factor related to taking tests was convenience i.e. proximity to the location. Virtually all participants would be happy to undergo chlamydia screening at their practice and did not mind being offered the test in an unrelated consultation. Most would not mind taking an HIV test as part of new patient registration, investigation for illnesses or in the context of a sexual health discussion. Young people also thought the tests should be offered routinely.

There were some concerns about embarrassment, for example, walking around the GP surgery with a urine sample or the appropriateness of discussing sexual health in an unrelated consultation or the possibility of their parents finding out.

The problem of taking time away from the reason for visiting the GP was also raised if sexual health discussions and screening took place in a consultation for an unrelated matter.

Participants suggested it would help to publicise sexual health services that the GP surgery provides. Some said they would be pleased if GPs offered all the sexual health services.

Although some felt they had enough trust in their GPs to be able to discuss their sexual health concerns, others also felt the confidentiality of consultations need to be highlighted, particularly for those concerned about their parents finding out.

The study authors state: ‘Normalising the offer of chlamydia screening, contraception, condoms and HIV tests by emphasising that the offer is routine and given to all patients within the demographic would facilitate patients’ understanding of why they are being offered the test.’

Many GPs already offer chlamydia and HIV testing, contraception and free condoms in their practice. Sexual health services in general practice need to be emphasised as some participants did not realise these services were available.

Young people would appear to welcome the contraception, free condoms, and chlamydia and HIV testing service where appropriate, from their GP, providing it was confidential.

Dr Richard Ma

Jones LF, Ricketts E, Town K et al. Chlamydia and HIV testing, contraception advice, and free condoms offered in general practice: a qualitative interview study of young adults’ perceptions of this initiative. Br J Gen Pract 2017; https://doi.org/10.3399/b jgp17X691325