Satisfaction with sex life V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Satisfaction with sex life among those with schizophrenia
IRAS ID
264824
Contact name
Eirini Tsitsipa
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
researchregistry6113, https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research aims to explore reasons for dissatisfaction/satisfaction with sex lives in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. In our previous research, which involved over 2,000 participants we found that across all quality of life domains, satisfaction with sex life was reported as the most dissatisfactory, in comparison to satisfaction with finance, housing and employment in those diagnosed with schizophrenia. This raised concerns, as previous findings have shown that sex lives are not openly discussed in consultations or with other members of staff and so a dissatisfactory area of people’s lives goes unnoticed.
The majority of research has focused on sexual dysfunction as a side effect of taking anti psychotic medications, which is commonly known to effect an individuals sex life. Symptoms may include reduced sex drive or erectile dysfunction. However, little research has been done to better understand satisfaction with sex life more generally and explore their reasons for dissatisfaction that may not be related to antipsychotic medication, specifically in those diagnosed with schizophrenia.
This study will conduct individual qualitative interviews and questionnaires with 30 service users, 10 of whom who score above ‘4’ on a scale of 1-7, which ranges from mostly dissatisfied to mostly satisfied on the question ‘How satisfied are you with your sex life’. The rating of 4, corresponds with being satisfied and we will interview 20 participant who score below ‘4’ indicating dissatisfaction with their sex lives.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/1266
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion