Outcomes from sexual health outreach in asylum seekers in the London borough of Hounslow.

Abstract

Background: Sexual Health Hounslow completed targeted outreach in local asylum seeker populations. The methods and results of STI and BBV screening in this population are described. Method(s): A dedicated clinic 0.4 miles from the largest contingency hotel opened in January 2023, advertised through targeted hotel-based outreach. A hotel-based clinic opened in 2024.A retrospective case-note review of all asylum seekers attending sexual health services in Hounslow between 01/02/2011 and 01/12/2023 was conducted. Result(s): 192 asylum seekers were included. 80 (41.7%) required translators. 111 (57.8%) were not registered with a GP. Thirty-three (17.2%) had a safeguarding concern. Eleven (9.2%) service users tested positive for HIV, two (1.7%) had a positive Hepatitis B surface antigen and three (2.5%) had a positive Hepatitis C antibody. Three (2.5%) required treatment for syphilis, six (4.5%) tested positive for gonorrhoea and 17 (12.7%) tested positive for chlamydia. Conclusion(s): Rates of STIs in this cohort were high: 9.2% HIV and 12.7% Chlamydia prevalence versus 0.17% and 0.29% respectively in England. Patterns of STIs in this cohort differed from national trends. Targeted outreach can improve engagement, testing and care in excluded populations. Copyright © The Author(s) 2025