Sexual health services are failing BAME communities during coronavirus pandemic, says new report

Of those surveyed as part of the research by Love Sex Life LSL, 46 per cent said a lack of cultural sensitivity from doctors deters them from seeking sexual health support

RECOMMENDATIONS: A new report is calling for cultural sensitivity to be prioritised in sexual and reproductive health settings

SEXUAL AND reproductive health services are far too generalised and do not adequately meet the needs of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people, a new report released today has concluded.

Transforming Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) for BAME communities in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham by Love Sex Life LSL, a partnership led by Brook, NAZ, the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and Shape History, found that failings are leading to dangerous short and long term consequences – and the COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated existing sexual health risks for those from Black and other ethnic minorities.

The research, which included an online survey of 150 participants and interviews with local service providers, community members and activists, found that 46 per cent said a lack of cultural sensitivity from doctors deters them from seeking sexual health support.

Love Sex Life LSL warns that imposed stigma, culturally insensitive approaches and lack of safe spaces and education within sexual and reproductive health services are causing greater risk of STI and HIV infection, worsening mental health and late-to-no diagnosis for the Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. 

Of those surveyed, 30 per cent of women and 21 per cent of men said they would not seek HIV testing because of stigma placed upon them, including from sexual health staff. Twenty-seven per cent cited feelings of shame in discussing sexual health with a doctor. 

COVID-19 impact

Taking evidence over the past six months, the paper states that the COVID-19 pandemic has further added to the sexual health risks facing BAME communities, as a result of growing social and economic inequalities. 

The overwhelming majority of respondents (95 per cent) said they were not informed about accessing sexual health support during lockdown, while 20 per cent of participants said their sexual health had been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic – including access to contraception and STI testing. Of those affected, 50 per cent are concerned about access to contraception.

Love Sex Life LSL was set up to cater to the needs of the communities greatly impacted by sexual health inequalities in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, which have Black, Asian and minority ethnic populations totalling 44 per cent, 43 per cent 47 per cent respectively.

Recommendations

The partnership is urgently calling for a new approach to sexual and reproductive health, one that takes into account the colonial history of healthcare and prioritises cultural sensitivity. 

The report recommends that health professionals communicate that any discussions are confidential and the right to confidentiality is enshrined in law.

“The institutional racism embedded in the delivery of SRH services has continued to hinder BME people’s access to quality, culturally sensitive service and care”

Ineala Theophilus, service manager of the Love Sex Life LSL at Brook

It also calls on more provisions to be made for the link between sexual health and mental health, with mental health support easily accessible within sexual and reproductive health settings and vice versa.

The promotion of fundamental information about services and accessibility is also needed, the report says, and it calls for a communications campaign to highlight facts such as: anyone in the UK can access sexual health services free of charge, only a postcode is needed – not proof of address and people do not have to use their local clinic.

To address the impact of the coronavirus, it recommends clinics implement a COVID-safe limited open door policy and increase access to home-testing.

Commenting on the report, Ineala Theophilus, service manager of the Love Sex Life LSL at Brook, said: “The institutional racism embedded in the delivery of SRH services has continued to hinder BME people’s access to quality, culturally sensitive service and care. 

“We hope that our service can provide the advocacy, education and awareness that will provoke stakeholders and decision makers to take action in providing inclusive health services that BME people can relate with.”

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