Identifying sexual risk-taking and ill health in the meeting with young people-experiences of using an assessment tool

Background Identifying young people exposed to sexual risk-taking or violence is fundamental, when seeking to strengthen their health. However, young people seldom share sexual health concerns or experiences of violence with healthcare professionals (HCPs). Studies evaluating how use of a risk assessment tool influences the dialogue about sexual health and violence are sparse. Aims The aim of this study was to explore HCPs experiences of using the SEXual health Identification Tool (SEXIT) in encounters with young people at Swedish youth clinics. Method Three focus group interviews were conducted with 21 HCPs from nine youth clinics, where SEXIT had been introduced. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Three themes were identified. The theme, Facilitates dialogue about sexuality and vulnerability, describes how the questionnaire pertaining to SEXIT helped to normalise and help both HCPs and young people to take part in the dialogue about sensitive issues. Need for a trustful encounter presents HCPs ethical concerns regarding how the questionnaire affects the integrity of young people and trust-making. Sensitive topics entail challenges describes HCPs challenges when dealing with sensitive issues. Additionally, it describes needs for knowledge and collaboration when targeting vulnerable young people. Conclusions The HCPs stated that using SEXIT developed their ability to address sensitive issues and helped both them and young people to take part in the dialogue about sexuality and exposure to violence. SEXIT involves experiences of ethical concerns regarding integrity and trust-making. It also entails challenges in having dialogues about sensitive issues, how to deal with risk assessment outcomes and in improvements regarding inter-professional collaborations.Funding Agencies: unit for municipal development at Region Jönköping county