| Information component |
Pg 4 Health Summary. Indicator Number 30 |
| Subject category / domain(s) |
Health and ill health in Our Community |
| Indicator name (* Indicator title in health profile) |
New diagnoses of gonorrhoea (*Sexually transmitted infections) |
| PHO with lead responsibility |
SWPHO |
| Date of PHO dataset creation |
n/a |
| Indicator definition |
|
| Geography |
n/a |
| Timeliness |
n/a |
|
Rationale:What this indicator purports to measure
|
New diagnoses of uncomplicated gonorrhoea in GUM clinics is a proxy measure for population sexual health |
|
Rationale:Public Health Importance
|
This would be one of the better indicators of population sexual health as gonorrhoea is a common infection and is less affected by variations in service delivery and screening compared to other infections. Since 1995, diagnoses of gonorrhoea have risen considerably in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; increasing by 111% between 1995 and 2004. Gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection diagnosed in GUM clinics. Untreated infection can lead to serious health problems, particularly for women. Complications of gonorrhoea include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Sexual health programmes can reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in the community. |
| Rationale: Purpose behind the inclusion of the indicator |
To reduce the prevalence of gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted diseases. To monitor the effectiveness of sexual health programmes. |
|
Rationale:Reason for Gap
|
This data is not available at Local Authority level. Current PCT monitoring based on ‘Local Delivery Plan lines’ is unreliable as this is still mostly based on estimated proportion of GUM clinic activity relating to PCT residents. This arises due to GUM clinics’ inability to report activity by area of residence and from the fact that there is often significant ‘cross boundary flow’ of PCT residents to clinics situated in neighbouring PCTs. However, there is a current national initiative to improve GUM clinic computer systems and reporting. It is anticipated that data will be available for next year. |
|
Rationale:Policy relevance
|
National Strategy for Sexual health and HIV, implemented in 2002, aims to reduce the transmission of gonorrhoea by 25%.Primary Care Trust Local Delivery Plans require the monitoring of rates of new diagnoses of gonorrhoea and demonstration of a reduction in rates from 2002 by 2008. The White Paper, ‘Choosing Health’ identifies sexual health as one of the key national priorities for action. |
| Interpretation: What a high / low level of indicator value means |
As this is a gap indicator there are no indicator values present in the health profiles. |
| Interpretation: Potential for error due to type of measurement method |
N/A – Gap indicator |
| Interpretation: Potential for error due to bias and confounding |
N/A – Gap indicator |
| Confidence Intervals: Definition and purpose |
N/A – Gap indicator |
