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

BackgroundSexual Health Hounslow completed targeted outreach in local asylum seeker populations. The methods and results of STI and BBV screening in this population are described.MethodsA 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.Results192 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.ConclusionsRates 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.