Abstract
Objective To identify the key issues for service providers in delivering high quality sexual health services, responsive to the needs of young people, in a rural area of Northern Ireland.
Design A triangulation survey approach using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus groups was undertaken with a range of organizations and professionals currently providing sexual health services within the area.
Setting The southern area of Northern Ireland, which is rural in nature and has a higher percentage of young people under 20 years old compared to the rest of the region and a rising rate of sexually transmitted infections.
Method 48 organizations known or perceived to provide sexual health services to young people in the area were surveyed. In-depth interviews were held with 22 key informants who worked within social services and the youth sector, and four focus groups were held with nursing professionals who directly supported young people in relation to their sexual health.
Results The results highlighted specific training and development needs at a range of levels. These included basic sexual health skills training which was identified as a need for a wide variety of staff across all sectors. In addition, specific/specialist training in sexual health was identified as a need for key professionals who work with vulnerable groups of young people.
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