A report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) has identified missed opportunities to tackle alcohol abuse through existing sexual health services.
With over one million young people attending sexual health clinics each year, the report argues that this is also a good opportunity to communicate key messages relating to alcohol consumption to those who are at risk. The report highlights clear evidence linking alcohol consumption to poor sexual health, particularly in the young. The argument is compelling – 82% of 16-30 year-olds report drinking alcohol before sexual activity; people who drink heavily are more likely to have unprotected sex with multiple partners; 20% of white 14-15 year-old girls report going ‘further than intended’ sexually when drunk. However, despite this evidence, little has been done to tackle alcohol abuse through sexual health services. Key recommendations from the report include:
• Sexual health services should provide information to highlight the link between alcohol consumption and poor sexual health outcomes and signpost sources of useful advice on drinking sensibly.
• Clinicians providing sexual health services should be trained in asking about drinking habits through use of a recognised screening tool.
• All sexual health services should develop a robust care pathway to refer patients for further support, including local alcohol services.
• New commissioning arrangements should ensure that the service specifications for sexual health in primary care and specialist services include opportunistic alcohol screening and brief interventions for young people.
Dr Janet Wilson, president-elect of BASHH said: “Everyone knows that alcohol fuels risky sex – so a sexual health check-up is the ideal time to broach the subject, to find the one in five young people attending our clinics who are at most risk and give them structured advice around alcohol consumption, referring to alcohol services where appropriate. Local Authorities will be responsible for public health under current NHS reform proposals, and BASHH congratulates this report for clearly identifying the type of integrated approach needed to tackle our major public health issues.”
