A Young People's Advisory Service
Harrison, N.; Bury, J.K.
Health Bulletin 40(3): 133-139
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0374-8014 PMID: 7096079 Document Number: 188526
In 1979 the Lothian Health Board set up at the Family Planning Center in Edinburgh, Scotland, weekly Saturday morning sessions for information and services on contraception for adolescents, called the Young People's Advisory Service (YPAS). Each session was run by a doctor, a nurse, and a receptionist, with well-spaced appointments and an informal and welcoming atmosphere. After a slow start in 1979, 137 new clients and 247 returns were seen during 46 sessions in 1980. From July 1-December 31, 1980 there were 80 new clients; 68, or 85% were 18 or younger, and 6 were under 16; 79 were female and 79 were single; 45% were students, and 68 lived in Edinburgh; 53 knew about the center from friends, but only 11 knew that the Saturday sessions were for adolescents only. 37.5% came to start contraception for the 1st time, 49% came to continue contraception, 17.5% came for possible pregnancy, and 2.5% for information only. 26% were not yet sexually active; of the 59 who were sexually active 17 were not using contraception, 29 were using the condom, 12 the pill, and 1 the IUD; 58% admitted to unprotected intercourse at some time. 66 were prescribed oral contraceptives, 3 were fitted with a diaphragm, and 3 were given condoms; 6 girls were pregnant. There were 131 return visits from July 1-December 31, 1980, mostly for further supplies of contraceptives. An average of 1 new and 2 return clients scheduled for appointments each week did not attend. Those aged 16 were more likely to default than those aged under or over 16. The organized educational sessions, with slide and tape presentations, were a failure due to the extremely poor attendance. The Saturday morning session attendance increased in the 1st 4 months of 1981, with an average of 4 new and 10 return clients at each session. The YPAS shared with other clinics the inability to attract young men of any social class and females from the lower classes.