Evidence shows that many young people in Scotland would benefit from being better informed about sexual health, not least because of high rates of teenage pregnancy, and increases in transmission of STIs. In 2007, Health Protection Scotland warned that increases in the diagnoses of genital warts and genital herpes in the under-25s may reflect an increase in the number of people engaging in unprotected sex.

However, recent research carried out by young people themselves has identified problems in accessing sexual health services that are responsive to their needs.

In 2006, a survey undertaken by youth volunteers from LGBT Scotland on behalf of Healthy Respect found that sexual health services were not always designed to meet the needs of young people and might even deter them from seeking help. Young people who acted as 'mystery shoppers' visiting services around Lothian, also highlighted issues including delays at clinics and a lack of privacy in community pharmacies.

The report clearly underlines the need for staff in primary care services to address issues such as accessibility, availability, confidentiality and privacy for young people.

For more information about the mystery shoppers project, please visit our Case studies section.