An Investigation of the Predictors of Youth Sexual Health Testing in Western Australia

YEAR

2020-present.

PROJECT STATUS

A short report of the findings is in development.

ETHICS APPROVAL

Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this research: Approval number HRE2020-0427

INVESTIGATORS

Dr Kahlia McCausland (Curtin University), Dr Jacqui Hendriks (Curtin University), Dr Roanna Lobo (Curtin University).

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Between 2016 and 2019, SiREN conducted a regular research priority-setting process. This involved consulting with the SiREN Project Steering Group and the broader sexual health and blood-borne virus (SHBBV) sector to identify important research topics based on gaps in the evidence base and emerging issues. Arising from the 2019 SiREN research priorities meeting, the group identified 'increasing sexually transmissible infections (STI) and blood-borne virus (BBV) screening among young people' as one of the sector's key research priorities for SiREN to support in 2020.

STI and BBVs are responsible for a significant burden of disease in Western Australia, and young people (16-25 years) are disproportionately affected. As such, young people were named as a priority group in the Fourth National, and Western Australian Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategies.

This project aims to investigate the predictors of STI and BBV testing within young people (16-25 years) residing in Western Australia and determine the feasibility of conducting a periodic survey.

PROJECT OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

Data collected from this survey will provide Western Australian specific data that can be used to inform public health strategies, service provision, prevention programs, and health education. Results of this research may assist sexual health services to align with broader public health goals articulated in the national STI and HIV and strategies aimed to reduce the burden of disease and improve the quality of sexual lives of young Australians.

PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS

McCausland, K., Graham-Geraghty, L., Bacon M., Mak, D., Staniszewski, J., Lied-Cordruwisch, L., Hendriks, J. (2021). Experiences of Western Australian youth when seeking sexual health information, testing and treatment (presentation). 25th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health, 9-12 September 2021.

McCausland, K., Graham-Geraghty, L., Bacon M., Mak, D., Staniszewski, J., O'Malley, T., Hendriks, J. (2021). Are sexual health services accessible to young people? A survey of Western Australian youth to determine barriers and challenges (presentation). Joint Australiasian HIV&AIDS and Sexual Health Conference, 6-9 September 2021.

CONTACT

Please contact Dr Kahlia McCausland (Project Coordinator) for further information E: kahlia.mccausland@curtin.edu.au P: (08) 9266 7382.