The provision, and utilisation, of sexual health services and contraception by heterosexual young people in the UK

Stone, Nicole Clare (2007) The provision, and utilisation, of sexual health services and contraception by heterosexual young people in the UK. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

There are three key issues which are central to the enrichment of young people’s sexual lives and the achievement of a sexually healthier society.  These are, the provision of comprehensive sexual health information, the provisioning and promotion of appropriate sexual health services and, subsequently, a reduction in the extent of negative physical (unintended pregnancies, abortions and sexually transmitted infections) and psychological (regret, guilt and shame) sexual health outcomes.

This thesis firstly examines current usage of sexual health services by young people in the UK.  Chapters Two to Four identify some of the barriers and, most importantly, some of the opportunities for improving service uptake and continued utilisation by young people.  Chapters Five and Six then go on to explore in greater detail some of the many situational and contextual factors which play a role in determining when and what early sexual activity occurs and whether or not contraception is used during those encounters.

Results suggest that improvements in sexual health outcomes are unlikely to be realised without greater openness and acceptance of young people’s sexuality by all members and sectors of society.

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