Management of patients seen post-sexual assault at a north London inner city genitourinary medicine clinic 2005–2008

An audit of all patients presenting to an inner city sexual health clinic post-sexual assault over a four-year period was undertaken to evaluate the overall management of these patients. Sixty-five cases were identified; 22.6% had a pre-existing vulnerability factor and 21.0% a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Recommendations from the audit included: to offer non-invasive methods of testing for STIs to patients presenting at less than one week, improve documentation by completing the specific clinic template and ensure all patients are offered emotional support when they first attend.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and associated risk factors in women inmates admitted to a youth offenders institute in the UK

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections in young women inmates aged 17-21 located on the Youth Offenders Institute of HMP Holloway. The study consisted of a questionnaire and a urine sample for analysis. A health advisor administered a questionnaire to establish sociodemographic profile, sexual history and illicit drug use. C. trachomatis was diagnosed using a nucleic acid amplification test. Overall, the prevalence of C. trachomatis was 13.2%. Drug use was common with 41.2% using crack cocaine and 17.3% using intravenous heroin. A majority (80.2%) reported not using condoms during the last sexual encounter and 62.6% had a history of a previous pregnancy. Over half (53.3%) had a previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and 74.7% had never been previously diagnosed with a STI. Sexual health programmes in prisons should include screening as well as education about STI risk reduction and drug prevention.