STIs, including HIV, pose an enormous burden of morbidity, which falls disproportionately on the socially deprived, women, gay men, teenagers, young adults and ethnic minorities.1,2

Government strategy is focused on the prevention of sexual health problems, improving people’s understanding of the issues, better planning of services and better provision of treatment.1

Groups that should be targeted for sexual health information and HIV/STI prevention because they are at higher risk, are particularly vulnerable or have particular access requirements include:1

• young people – especially those in, or leaving care
• black and minority ethnic groups
• gay and bisexual men
• injecting drug misusers
• adults and children living with HIV and other people affected by HIV
• sex workers
• people in prisons and youth offending establishments

Reviews indicate that, although intervention can reduce risk behaviour, the impact of some programmes may be slight and short lived.3,4 Measures that have been shown to be effective include:5

• Provision of basic, accurate information through clear, unambiguous messages
• Individual risk counselling by professionals
• School-based sex education programmes
• Sex education begun before the onset of sexual activity
• Emphasising risk reduction rather than promoting abstinence only
• Using peers and community opinion leaders
• Patient education and counselling to improve partner notification via patient referral

Interactive, skills-based programmes are more effective than didactic programs.3,4

For more information about STIs click here.