HPA flushes out the truth on STIs

The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) is to launch the latest phase in its poster and leaflet campaign today which aims to explode some of the myths behind Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Northern Ireland, promote safer sex and continue to increase overall awareness of sexual health issues.

Instances of STIs in Northern Ireland are increasing and the new-look campaign reminds sexually active individuals in the 18-30 age group to use a condom when having sex. If they have had unprotected sex and are worried about infection they need to contact their local Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic or GP for a check up as often there are no outward signs of infection. The campaign features ten different posters and two leaflets, which will be displayed in over 75 pubs, clubs and university campus toilets.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA said: “The research revealed some interesting facts and misconceptions about STIs in Northern Ireland. In heterosexual groups, fear of unwanted pregnancy dominates thinking on sexual health and very little consideration is given to the risks of infection. Also it is perceived that the problem in Northern Ireland is so small compared to England and Dublin that it is not worth thinking about. However, it is a fact that STI numbers here are increasing year on year.”

The posters have been extensively researched with the 18-30 heterosexual and gay target audiences and they provide information about STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV, and safer sex, by using stark and sometimes humorous images and language.

Dr Gaffney continued: “This campaign will hopefully be successful in getting the messages over as it has been very carefully researched to appeal specifically to the 18-30 year old groups. Last year, many of the posters went missing from toilet walls, presumably for re-display at home. We don't mind this as long as the message gets through.”

In Northern Ireland from 1996 to 2002, cases of genital chlamydia in males and females increased from 514 to 1,170 (128%) while new cases of gonorrhoea increased from 44 to 117 (166%).

On average during the 1990s there were 3 cases of infectious syphilis diagnosed each year, however, in 2002 there were 20 cases of the infection.

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