Value of targeting at-risk populations at outreach venues: findings from a local sauna

Abstract

An assessment of the need to increase access to an outreach venue, the local sauna in Walsall, UK, frequented only by men who have sex with men, was undertaken. A case-notes review of the clients who attended the monthly outreach sessions at the sauna in the year 2007 was performed. Among the 287 men seen at the 12 outreach sessions, 37% had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Of those tested positive, 88% had never had a previous STI. Twenty-one men had syphilis and a further six tested positive for HIV. Hepatitis B vaccination was completed for 41% of the clients seen. Those who tested positive for an STI said they would not have attended a conventional setting but accepted screening at the sauna. This confirmed the need to increase access at this outreach venue, and further funding has now been provided to have outreach sessions twice a month.