Strategic Issues
Strategic Issue 1
Under 18 Conceptions have been higher than the region since 2014 and higher than the national average consistently. Within this, the under 16 conception rate is increasing (between 2020 and 2021), whereas the under 18 conception rates decreased between 2018 and 2021. The Under 18 Birth rate has been consistently higher than the national average since the earliest available data in 2009. Proportion of under 16 conceptions leading to abortions fell from 100% in 2020 to 50% in 2021. Under 18 conceptions leading to abortions is also declining. Young people under the age of 25 are at greater risk of poor sexual health due to being more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours, the stigma around seeking advice, economic challenges and vulnerabilities.
Strategic Issue 2
STI burden is higher than regionally and nationally, particularly due to the recent outbreak of Syphilis in the Tees Valley. This suggests inequitable access to STI services in deprived areas which may be under pressure due to the impact of local outbreaks.
Strategic Issue 3
Contraceptive prescription varies between GP and SRH services suggesting a need for clearer access to services. LARC and short acting combined hormonal contraceptive prescribing in GPs is lower than regionally and nationally and injectable contraception prescribing is lower in SRH services than regionally and nationally.