Access barriers preventing young Aboriginal people in Western Sydney using local sexual health services

This research explored the fundamental gaps that clinicians see in the delivery of sexual health services to young Aboriginal people in Western Sydney. This is only one perspective, but it is still a valuable perspective and has given participants an opportunity to reflect on the shortfalls that have created a service with low levels of engagement with a population that has high rates of STIs.

This thesis examined the issue of access to sexual health services for young Aboriginal people in Western Sydney through the prism of a systematic review and a qualitative study. The qualitative study utilises content analysis design and undertakes semi-structured one-on-one interviews with 10 clinicians. Clinicians were interviewed using a semi structured interviewer assisted questionnaire with the aim of answering key questions on the topic of access to sexual health services.

The findings of this research explored the evidence on what prevents young Aboriginal people accessing sexual health services and the views of clinicians on what they see as the key areas that prevent appropriate service delivery. Thematic analysis revealed three broad themes: personal, practical, and programmatic. Clinicians believed the involvement of Aboriginal people in service delivery would contribute to greater inclusion and more culturally competent services.

To better support Aboriginal communities, government sexual health services should take a culturally appropriate and respectful approach by improving sexual health services for Aboriginal youth, clinicians can help to address these disparities and promote positive sexual health outcomes. By working collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and youth, clinicians can help to create a more equitable and just healthcare system for all.