Sexual Health & Wellbeing Survey: Main Findings

4 Conclusions

4.1 This survey was undertaken with a representative sample of the Scottish population who have been in a sexual relationship within the past year. The questions were validated for respondent comprehension and selected to cover a range of experiential and behavioural topics for which there are currently no or very few data sources.

4.2 The majority of people are happy with their sexual relationships and sex life, although LGB people and those with a disability are less likely to be so.

4.3 Nearly a quarter of people have a health condition that affects their sexual activity, although the survey did not capture the nature of the condition or the extent to which it affects other areas of their life.

4.4 Fifty-eight percent have experienced a physical or emotional issue that has had a negative effect on their sexual health or wellbeing in the last year. Again, there will be a spectrum of experience within this figure from minor and short-term to more serious or chronic effects. A fifth have avoided sex in the last year because of such an issue.

4.5 Younger people have anxieties about sex which lead to a significant minority avoiding sex. A number of factors will be at play in this, including their relative inexperience and individual expectations or perceptions shaped by wider cultural norms and peer group influences.

4.6 Discussing sexual issues with a partner can be difficult for many depending on the topic and there were some differences linked to demographic characteristics. One in ten women aged 18-24 would find it difficult to refuse to have sex if a partner would not use a condom. Over a quarter of LGB respondents find it difficult to talk about STIs. A fifth of those with a disability find it hard to tell a partner if they do not want to have sex.

4.7 Over a fifth of all people, but nearly half of 18-24s, have sought advice or help about sexual issues in the last year. Young people mostly turn to friends and the internet for advice.

4.8 One in ten people have had sex that they regretted in the last year and again it is mainly younger people who report this (a quarter of 18-24 year olds). Nearly a fifth of 18-24s felt that alcohol had affected their sexual activity at least once in the last year and for 8% this had happened three or more times.

4.9 In terms of abusive behaviour by a partner, 5% of women had experienced humiliation or emotional abuse in the last year and 3% reported being afraid of a partner or ex-partner.

4.10 The data from this survey provide a baseline for assessing progress against outcomes in the current Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework and will inform the development of outcome indicators in a new strategy which will be published in 2015. The findings also indicate areas which may need closer policy attention than has been the case.