Health knowledge and behaviour in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in QLD

Abstract

Chlamydia is the most commonly notified infectious disease in Australia and if left untreated can have serious long-term morbidities. Goondir Health Service (Goondir HS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) providing primary health care services to approximately 5000 clients over 160, 000 square km in the South East and South West QLD. Previous surveys have examined knowledge and sexual behaviour of young people. This study looks at knowledge, self-reported behaviours and chlamydia testing and positivity.AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the STI knowledge and health seeking behaviour of 16-29 year old attendees of Goondir Health Services. CONCLUSION: Our results provide an insight into STI knowledge and behaviours of young people attending Goondir HS, which allows the service to better frame health promotion for this group. o Aboriginal Medical Services are a suitable place for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to access Sexual and Reproductive healthcare. o Targeted education for young people may improve their knowledge of STIs, in particular HPV and Trichomoniasis, and increase condom use o HPV vaccination uptake was very low. While women aged <21 years were eligible for school-based HPV vaccination, the majority reported they had not been vaccinated. Further investigation into the uptake of HPV vaccination and how to promote safer sex in local young people may be warranted.