MenSH-IBD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A mixed methods study using co-production to develop an intervention to help nurses improve the assessment and care of the sexual health needs of men with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IRAS ID
334340
Contact name
Sara Ma
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
YORK AND SCARBOROUGH TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research aims to develop an intervention to help nurses improve the assessment and care of the sexual health needs of men with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This is a long-term digestive condition that is often diagnosed between the ages of 15-30 years. Patients often have bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, incontinence, and fatigue. When severe, the disease can lead to hospital admission and surgery. There is growing recognition that IBD can negatively affect sexual health and impact on patients' relationships and quality of life, but men’s needs have been neglected in research. Men report that their sexual health is rarely discussed at NHS IBD clinic appointments, and specialist information and support are lacking. In this study we will work with patients, their partners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop a nursing intervention that addresses this unmet need through information, assessment, and support.
This study consists of three main parts which have been labelled workstreams. In Workstream One we will identify how the sexual health of men with IBD is currently assessed and cared for in the NHS using three large scale surveys that will include; (1) NHS Trusts (2) Nurses (3) People with IBD.
In Workstream Two we will gather ideas on appropriate ways to improve the healthcare of men with IBD by conducting interviews with men with IBD and partners of men with IBD. We will also conduct focus groups with healthcare professionals to hear their ideas of how services can be improved.
In Workstream Three we will hold a series of workshops with patients and healthcare professionals to develop an intervention and consider how and why it could help patients.
The design of the study has been developed with a patient advisory group and input from IBD health professionals.
Lay summary of study results: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has two main types, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These are long-term digestive conditions often diagnosed between the ages of 15-30 years. Symptoms can negatively impact sexual health and relationships. To decrease this impact, we aimed to develop interventions that nurses can use when caring for men with IBD.
A patient group supported the study design, while a stakeholder advisory group met throughout the study.
To build our evidence base, we surveyed 71 IBD Services, 102 IBD nurses, and 553 men with IBD. Then we interviewed 14 men with IBD plus 1 man’s partner. Finally we held focus groups with 21 IBD nurses and other IBD health professionals.
Fully 60% of men reported relationship challenges; 53% said they had never had STI screening; and only 7% had discussed sexual health with professionals. Just 27% of services had written information, and merely 21% a referral pathway. Finally, only 22% of nurses reported receiving training.
This evidence confirmed that the sexual health of men with IBD remains overlooked in routine care, with significant unmet need in both assessment and support. Barriers included lack of practical tools, inconsistent access to psychological support, and competing clinical pressures. Priorities included the need for tailored information, clearer clinician guidance, and approaches that reflect men's diversity.
Using this evidence, we held workshops with stakeholders to develop interventions. Three emerged. To strengthen workforce confidence through targeted training and prompts. To improve communication and public awareness so that sexual well-being becomes a routine part of IBD care. And to create stronger, more integrated service pathways, with immediate opportunities around managing erectile dysfunction and improving links between gastroenterology and sexual health.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0158
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion