NHS missing key opportunities to tackle alcohol abuse

31st December 2011 - People attending sexual health clinics should be told of the dangers of alcohol abuse at the same time, experts recommend.

A new report has discovered that the NHS is missing a chance to put the alcohol abuse message across through existing services.

The report is from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH).

With more than a million young people attending sexual health clinics each year, it argues that this provides a unique opportunity to communicate key messages about alcohol consumption to those who are at risk.

Alcohol and sex - a risky combination

The report highlights clear evidence linking alcohol consumption to poor sexual health, particularly in the young. For instance:

• 82 % of 16-30 year olds report drinking before sexual activity
• People who drink heavily are more likely to have unprotected sex with multiple partners
• 20% of white 14-15 year old girls report going further than intended sexually when drunk

Dr Simon Barton, chair of the RCP’s Alcohol and Sexual Health Working Party says in a statement: "Failing to discuss alcohol consumption with a patient accessing sexual health services is a missed opportunity.

"Although services that aim to tackle this problem cannot be effective in isolation, there is a real opportunity for sexual health services to support people both in identifying their behavioural risks and in empowering them to take action.

"At a time when the NHS is looking to save £20 billion, this is a perfect example of quick-win efficiency that could save money in the long term."

Focus on young people

The report focuses on young people, as they are among the highest consumers of alcohol and have the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections.

16-24 year olds make up just 12% of the population, yet they account for nearly half of the sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in sexual health clinics. 65% of chlamydia infections, 50% of cases of genital warts and 50% of gonorrhoea diagnoses occur in the young.

Dr Janet Wilson, president-elect of BASHH says in a statement: "Everyone knows that alcohol fuels risky sex - so a sexual health check-up is the ideal time to broach the subject, to find the one in five young people attending our clinics who are at most risk and give them structured advice around alcohol consumption, referring to alcohol services where appropriate."

Key recommendations

Among the key recommendations made in the report:

• Sexual health services should provide information that highlights the link between alcohol consumption and poor sexual health outcomes and signpost sources of useful advice on drinking sensibly
• All clinicians providing sexual health services should be trained in asking about drinking habits through use of a recognised screening tool
• All sexual health services should develop a robust care pathway to refer patients for further support, including local alcohol services

This is just one aspect of tackling the problem of alcohol abuse. The Royal College of Physicians has previously called for changes to the price, availability and marketing of cheap alcohol.