Do women requesting only contraception find attendance at an integrated sexual health clinic more stigmatizing than attendance at a family planning–only clinic?

Abstract

PurposeBoth sexually transmitted infections and the genitourinary medicine clinics that patients attend for management of sexually transmitted infections are stigmatized by patients’ perceptions. The aim of this study was to assess whether women requesting contraception only find attendance at an integrated sexual health clinic (ISHC) more stigmatizing than attendance at a family planning (FP)–only clinic.Patients and methodsWomen requesting contraception only were asked to complete a stigma assessment questionnaire in the waiting room of the clinic they attended. Ease of understanding was assessed for each item of the questionnaire prior to commencement of the survey. The questionnaire was given to women attending either an ISHC or a FP-only clinic.ResultsOne hundred questionnaires that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were returned. The users of FP-only services were generally older than the users of ISHCs and were more likely than the users of ISHCs to classify themselves as UK white. Stigma perception was significantly higher for the ISHC than the FP-only clinic.ConclusionThe results of this research indicate that among women who request contraception only, perceived stigma is higher when they attend an ISHC than when they attend a FP-only clinic. As this survey only enrolled clinic users, the authors were unable to assess whether integration generates sufficient stigma to deter some women from accessing contraception from integrated services. Of all stigma-related issues, disclosure concerns are likely to be the most important to the service user. Stigma is not an issue of overriding concern for most service users.

From ‘holding pen’ to ‘a space to breathe’: affective landscapes in a newly‐integrated sexual health clinic

“…, Sauer et al . ). Summarising key concerns, it is clear that stakeholders are worried about possible changes in the clinic environment, staff attitudes and expertise, and the presence of ‘others’ in these new facilities.…”

“…Existing studies focus overwhelmingly on the 'One-Stop Shop' (hereafter OSS)a model of service provision wherein a full range of services are brought together 'under one roof' and care is provided by comprehensively trained practitioners (Gray et al 2009). Studies have discussed a number of concerns that influence attendees' preferences for, or rejection of, integrated services over 'stand-alone' options, including the location and accessibility of the clinic (French et al 2006), staff attitudes (Griffiths et al 2008), interpersonal relationships and the presence of other attendees (Griffiths et al 2008), competency of delivery and confidentiality (Griffiths et al 2008) and stigma (Gray et al 2009, Sauer et al 2013. Summarising key concerns, it is clear that stakeholders are worried about possible changes in the clinic environment, staff attitudes and expertise, and the presence of 'others' in these new facilities.…”

Sex, women and the menopause: Are specialist trainee doctors up for it? A survey of views and attitudes of specialist trainee doctors in Community Sexual & Reproductive Health and Obstetrics & Gynaecology around sexuality and sexual healthcare in the (peri)menopause

“…However, the acceptability by older women of attending their care within Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare Services which often have some stigma attached needs further investigation. 40,41 A need to address (perceived) barriers and to enhance the level of training in sexual problems based on evidence and including communication skills for both cSRH and O&G specialist trainee doctors has been identified. Local NHS-or non-NHS providers of psychosexual counselling services could support this training, which could be reciprocal as non-clinical sex therapists also profit from a better understanding of medical causes and treatments of sexual dysfunctions.…”

“…However, the acceptability by older women of attending their care within Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare Services which often have some stigma attached needs further investigation. 40,41…”