Discussion

Reduction in demand for SHS may reflect reduced sexual activity and partnerships among this group as they adhere to national guidance around social distancing; however, the observed fall may not be attributed to a risk or need reduction. The drivers for the change among YP’s health seeking behaviour and the potential effect on future STI and unplanned pregnancy rates remain unclear. Better understanding will inform future service provision and mitigate adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes among YP in the UK.

Barriers for YP accessing SH may include changes to clinic opening times, cessation of walk in services and the closing of outreach and smaller ‘spoke’ provision. Limited access to public transport and concern around COVID-19 exposure may further discourage clinic attendance. Rapid service reconfiguration and adoption of remote methods of managing patients, that is, telephone consultations, telehealth, home delivery of STI testing, treatment and contraception, may present problems of confidentiality and privacy for YP living at home. Other barriers include inadvertent disclosure of sexual activity due to lack of privacy for telephone calls as well as more visibility of children by carers. YP may fear judgement by adults (including professionals) if they have not adhered to social distancing guidance. Limited access to online devices, lack of credit/data on mobile phones and a poor household internet connection are potential further barriers. YP with intersecting vulnerabilities such as mental health concerns, learning disability and language barriers may struggle with navigating new ways of accessing sexual healthcare, aggravated by the interruption of their usual professional carer support.

The fall in YP seeking care within SHS is particularly worrying where unseen abuse and exploitation may be occurring. The public messages urging people to stay home and maintain social distance, increasing the isolation of YP from usual support services and trusted adults, have potentially increased risk. Reports suggest that attendance of vulnerable children at hub schools are low3 making the identification of safeguarding concerns within universal services more difficult.

In their COVID-19 response, services in any setting providing YP sexual healthcare must consider involving this group and prioritising their accessibility. The mainstay of STI testing in the general population during lockdown has been online, however many under 16 year olds across the country will not be eligible for, and unable to access, remote testing and will need walk in and face to face appointments. Examples of innovative service provision connecting with YP safely and confidentially include dedicated phone lines, texting of advice or appointments, prioritising calls, using trusted social media platforms and early provision of long acting reversible contraception clinics for this population.

Information is needed on whether YP are seeking EC from other providers such as pharmacy, online and primary care. Strong local and national partnership between SH and other professional disciplines particularly children’s services, education, primary care, local pharmacies and third sector organisations is crucial to engage and prioritise YP access to sexual healthcare.