Understanding Sexual Health and BBV Risk Behaviours to Inform Training

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Understanding the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Risk Behaviours of Defined ‘at risk’ groups (i.e. those involved in Chemsex, use Image and Performance enhancing drugs or engaged in transactional sex who use drugs) to inform a Training Programme for Services

• IRAS ID

  251210

• Contact name

  Adrienne Hannah

• Contact email

  adrienne@sdf.org.uk

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 8 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  This research is being undertaken by the Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF), to inform the development of a training programme for services to reduce the risk of acquiring blood borne viruses, sexually transmitted infection and unintended pregnancies. The research is part of a programme funded from the Scottish Government's Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus framework. The research targets three specific groups who are currently considered to be insufficiently understood in terms of their potential risk behaviours and correspondingly, insufficiently provided for in terms of information and support needs. These are i) men who have sex with men and are involved in the use of drugs during sexual activity (Chemsex), ii) people who use image and performance enhancing drugs and iii) people who are engaged in transactional sex (e.g. sex workers/prostitution) who use drugs.
  The research will undertake qualitative interviews with these target groups in four areas of Scotland to maximise national representation. Either face to face or telephone interviews will be conducted. There will be 20-25 interviews per group or until data saturation occurs. Sexual health clinics, specialist needle exchange services, gyms, specific bars and services for people who sell sex will be asked to display posters and distribute fliers to people about the research. This will have contact details for the data collection team. Services providers (health, social care and third sector) will be invited to take part in a focus group to explore their training needs. One or two focus groups will be held in each of the four areas. Data will be used to inform the content and format of a training programme to be delivered by SDF across Scotland.

• REC name

  East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1

• REC reference

  18/ES/0125

• Date of REC Opinion

  26 Nov 2018

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion