Tyranny of distance drives STI surge

Distance is a deterrent to seeking help for STIs: study

Patients who need to travel greater distances for sexual health support often leave worrying symptoms unchecked, according to new research from Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. 

Sexual health epidemiologist Associate Professor Eric Chow said the recent study of more than 7,000 patients revealed that distance rather than socioeconomic status was the main contributing factor behind delayed presentation to a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) service. 

“This is the first time we’ve measured these barriers in such a significant manner, and it really highlighted some ways we can make some significant inroads,” A/Prof Chow said. 

“Improved local access to healthcare, alongside targeted strategies to encourage early healthcare seeking  among groups at increased likelihood of delay, such as those who live in the outer suburbs and regionally, is  likely to make significant inroads into this issue and reduce the STI burden across the state. 

“We’ve already made some inroads in this area with the establishment of the Victorian Sexual Health Network in outer Melbourne suburbs, which has grown markedly since its establishment in 2021.”
Despite the establishment of the network, A/Prof Chow said many still aren’t aware of where to seek  treatment. 

“Interestingly, we found that gay/bisexual men sought healthcare earlier than heterosexual men and  individuals with marked symptoms or conditions such as genital herpes and gonococcal urethritis also  presented earlier than those diagnosed with conditions with milder symptoms. 

“Despite this, many are still delaying seeking treatment, which can not only be harmful to the individual, but  also puts any sexual partner they have at risk. The sooner an individual seeks treatment, the less likely they are to spread the infection.

“Additionally, early treatment can reduce negative health consequences such as infertility, chronic pain, and foetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.” 

To locate a sexual health clinic in your area visit: www.staystifree.org.au/

Reference

Farquharson RM, Fairley CK, Abraham E, Bradshaw CS, Plummer EL, Ong JJ, Vodstrcil LA, Chen MY, Phillips TR and Chow EPF. Time to healthcare seeking following the onset of symptoms among men and women attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia. 2022. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022; 9:915399. DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.915399