Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and sources of information amongst men

The objective of this study was to investigate men's awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual health services, together with the best ways of providing information about them. Information was collated via a self-administered questionnaire, which was answered by 429 men, giving a response rate of 31%. Men aged 16+ living in two primary care trusts (PCTs) in the north-west of England were accessed through a range of different sources, including social, educational, health, work and religious facilities. Despite the high rates of STIs in the north-west, approximately one in five men had not heard of herpes, syphilis or chlamydia. One in ten had not heard of gonorrhoea. The majority of men were unaware that many STIs could be asymptomatic. Only 13% knew where their local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic was. The main deterrents to accessing the clinic were embarrassment and not knowing where it was. Men's knowledge of STIs is limited, particularly in relation to the symptoms. The best way of providing information, according to the respondents, was through their general practitioner (GP). However, in practice this might be difficult, as men are reluctant users of GP services in general. Knowledge of the whereabouts of the local GUM clinics is also limited. Although most men thought that they would visit their GP if they thought they might have an STI, this may result from them not knowing the alternatives, rather than having a real choice. More information, targeted wisely, is thus necessary in order to educate men about STIs and service provision.