Use of GUM services and information and views held by first time service users in a large UK city: implications for...

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between information and views held by service users before obtaining help from a genitourinary medicine (GUM) service and the accessibility and use of the service, and to determine potential intervention measures for change. A structured questionnaire was completed by 292 first-time GUM service users in a large UK city in 1994. Overall 94 (57.7%) of 163 male service users and 59 (48.4%) of 122 female service users had some information about the service before seeking help, although this difference was not significant. Only 92 (31.5%) knew the service was open-access. The main source of information was through general practitioners (GPs), with personal contact as the second most common information source. Two hundred and fifteen (73.6%) used the service within 2 weeks of needing help and 104 (35.6%) of these felt there was delay, but reporting delay was not associated with having information about the service. The majority indicated feeling nervous and/or embarrassed about using the service. Female service users were significantly more likely to feel nervous or embarrassed than male service were (P < 0.05). Service users were significantly more likely to feel nervous when they had no information about the service than if they knew something about the service (P < 0.01). Most service users regarded the service as dealing with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and most intended to use the service for this reason. However, whilst many service users indicated knowledge about non-STI services, including HIV counselling and testing, relatively few intended to use these services. Most service users (269, 92.1%) were in favour of increased availability information about GUM clinics mainly through written media but also through GPs. The results of this study show a clear need to project increased awareness and information about this GUM service so as to encourage use of the range of services available and promote more positive feelings about using the service. Information in written media as well as through other health professionals may be of benefit. Further work is needed to study the effect of information provision in influencing the large number of potential service users to make use of sexual health services.