Reaching Marginalized Young People Through Sexual Health Nursing Outreach Clinics: Evaluating Service Use and the Views of Service Users

OBJECTIVE: To assess the views of service users towards sexual health nursing outreach clinics situated in youth clubs. The clinics were established in economically deprived areas to meet the needs of young people aged 13-18 yrs who are reluctant to attend mainstream services. DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. SAMPLE AND MEASUREMENTS: 250 questionnaires collecting data on service use and service users' views of the clinics were distributed to a 25% sample of clinic users. In addition, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with service users. RESULTS: 166 questionnaires were returned (66% response rate). The service was equally popular with males and females who often attended to meet friends but subsequently sought sexual health advice. Interviews found that young people appreciated the non-judgmental aspect of the clinics, although some reported concerns about confidentiality when the clinics were busy. Some respondents indicated that the clinics gave them confidence to discuss sexual health matters with others, but often the clinics provided advice for young people who had no one else to talk to. CONCLUSIONS: The clinics seem popular with young people, and situating services within an area young people access to socialize appears to be an effective way to target them with sexual health advice.