Sexual and Reproductive Health in psychiatric patients

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Sexual and Reproductive Health in psychiatric patients

• IRAS ID

  132295

• Contact name

  Nigel O'Farrell

• Contact email

  nigel.o'farrell@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  London North West University healthcare NHS Trust

• Research summary

  Little is known about the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in psychiatric patients despite their obvious vulnerability in engaging in sexual relationships.

  A further area of sexual health that is a cause of increasing concern in the UK is sexual abuse. Many psychiatric patients give a history of sexual abuse in the past which is in itself an additional risk factor for STIs.

  This study will determine the prevalence of STIs in psychiatric patients. In addition, we will seek to identify the prevalence of a history of sexual abuse in such patients.

  The study will be discussed with psychiatric outpatients aged 18-35. All will be expected to have the capacity to consent. Blood and urine samples will be taken and tested for STIs. Those that agree to participate will sign a written consent form.

  Patients will be interviewed by trained psychiatric staff that would be known to them. The interview would be confidential and would last about 45 mins. Questions will be asked about sexual behaviour, contraceptive practice, drug use and condom use of the type that are asked routinely in sexual health and family planning clinics. Questions will also be asked about possible sexual abuse and sexual assault.

  Patients with genitourinary symptoms would be referred for specialist GU assessment.

  Urine samples will be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.Serological tests for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HSV- 2 will be done. Patients who complain of genitourinary symptoms will be examined according to standard clinic protocols. Patients found to have an infection will be treated of referred at the earliest opportunity

  The results of this work will inform whether an increased focus should be placed on sexual health in patients attending for psychiatric care.

• REC name

  London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/LO/1420

• Date of REC Opinion

  13 Dec 2013

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion