Sexual risk behaviour in adults with Severe Mentall Illness
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study to establish the acceptability and feasibility of recruiting and administering sexual risk behaviour assessment tools in adults with severe mental illness in the UK.
IRAS ID
202431
Contact name
Samantha J Gascoyne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
Sexual health and safe intimate relationships are an important part of life and often an area that is neglected. Previous research suggests there are a number of concerns including; access to contraception and family planning, keeping safe from infections that are transmitted sexually (such as HIV), understanding the risks that certain sexual behaviours pose and how to promote positive sexual relationships free from abuse and bullying. In order to understand these issues, and inform development of better ways to respond to sexual health needs, there is a 3 year study (PhD) which aims to understand the specific needs of people with serious mental illness. This initial study aims to understand how best to recruit people to studies related to sexual health, and also to get feedback on the use of specific questionnaires and interviews to assess sexual health needs. Adults on the caseload of community mental health services with a diagnosis of serious mental illness such as psychosis, other psychotic/delusional disorders or bipolar disorder in the South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust will be invited by their case manager to participate in an questionnaire/interview session at one single appointment. The session will comprise of collecting background information, a self-report questionnaire about sexual lifestyle/attitudes, followed by a structured interview (SERBAS) regarding recent sexual activity/practises. We will gather feedback about the whole experience via a short questionnaire. Information gathered will be vital for informing the methodology to maximise comfort and minimise burden for future studies around this topic.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0404
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion