Abstract
The objectives of the study were to investigate the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), uptake of full STI screening and contraceptive use during pre- and post National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) periods and to determine the prevalence of sexual abuse/assault. The method used was a retrospective case notes audit of children aged <16 years. STIs were found in 20% (n = 264) of children; 10% had genital chlamydia. 157 (59%) of 264 children had an assessment for non-consensual sexual activity; of those, 34% had a history of past or continuing sexual abuse/assault. An uptake of ‘full STI screening’ and contraceptive use were similar in both pre- and post-NCSP periods. Overall STIs and chlamydia rates were higher during post-NCSP period. In conclusion, NCSP has not yet made any significant impact on sexual health of under-16-year-olds and the prevalence of past or ongoing sexual abuse/assault was high.
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