Health related quality of life and sexually transmitted infections
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring and measuring health related quality of life for people undergoing testing for sexually transmitted infections
IRAS ID
131636
Contact name
Tracy Roberts
Contact email
Research summary
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a major public health concern both in the UK and globally. Many initiatives have been put forward to try to stop the spread of STIs. Economic studies compare the costs and benefits of alternative treatments or programmes, and are important in ensuring that the NHS gets the best value from the funds it has available. There are a number of different ways of measuring patient benefits. Current official guidance states that measures of benefit should focus on health related quality of life, as reported by patients, and that where possible, standardised tools or questionnaires should be used. Very little research has been done to measure the effects of STI testing on health and quality of life. \n\nThis study aims to investigate how thinking that one might have an STI and undergoing testing affects health and quality of life. We will achieve this by carrying out a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews with people who are undergoing testing for STIs in two contrasting sexual health centres in inner London. As part of our study, we will test how well standardised instruments are able to pick up the effects of testing on people’s health and well-being. The results of our work will be used to help improve economic studies in this area. \n
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/0018
Date of REC Opinion
7 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion