A National Survey of the Provision of Sexual Health Clinical Services by Public Health in Canada: First Insights. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Sullivan, Lucia F.; Majerovich, Jo Ann; Milliken, Mary
• Is Part Of: International journal of sexual health. Volume 31:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Access to health care -- sexual health -- public health -- sexual health services -- clinics; Sex (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Gender identity -- Periodicals; Sexual Behavior -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 155.3
• DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2018.1561588
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1931-7611

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Data documenting the scope of sexual health clinical services offered as public health in Canada are unavailable. This article provides first insights into the scope of STI and clinical sexual health services available nationally. Methods: Data were gathered using an online survey of 113 Canadian public health units. Results: Almost half of the clinics were not providing expedited partner therapy, one third were not providing point of care testing for HIV and one third were not using syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Low rates of physician support were evident. Conclusion: Given the ever-higher rates of STIs, findings from this study identify important challenges to providing comprehensive services.