An exploratory investigation of sexual health screening in the first 12 weeks of case management in populations with severe mental illness

Corbett, R.; Elsom, Stephen; Sands, Natisha; Prematunga, Roshani

doi:10.1111/inm.12257

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 56 publications

(132 reference statements)

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“…The sexual health of people with SMI is commonly overlooked, neglected, or inadequately addressed in mental healthcare, despite evidence showing that they are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), sexual side effects from prescribed medications, and sexual dysfunction than the general population. A recent examination of 186 medical records showed that less than 40% of patients with SMI were provided with sexual health screening during their first 12 weeks of case management [30]. The study also found that screening for sexual side effects and issues of fertility, sexual self-esteem, safer sexual practices, and sexual dysfunction were rarely carried out.…”

Section: Recovery Approach To Sexual Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

HIV and Serious Mental Illness

McKinnon

Alves-Bradford²,

Cournos³

2021

HIV Psychiatry

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Section: Recovery Approach To Sexual Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

HIV and Serious Mental Illness

McKinnon

Alves-Bradford²,

Cournos³

2021

HIV Psychiatry

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“…Unsafe sex has been ranked the second leading global risk for burden of disease in the world; with almost three quarters of the global burden of unsafe sex occurring in sub-Saharan Africa (12). Unfortunately, the majority of psychiatric care services for SMI in sub-Saharan Africa do not routinely assess for and manage RSB, making People with SMI more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior and putting them at risk of poorer sexual health outcomes (13,14,15,16).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors contributing to vulnerability to risky sexual behaviour in severe mental illness in the Ugandan socio-cultural context

Birungi

Ssebunnya

Kiwanuka

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background There is paucity of research about contexts underlying vulnerability to risky sexual behavior and severe mental illness (SMI) among adults, irrespective of their HIV status in Uganda. Most studies done on vulnerability to risky sexual behavior (RSB) have often focused on young people and those living with HIV. Understanding factors that affect vulnerability to RSB in severe mental illness, taking into consideration the individual, carers and mental health specialists views is important in planning preventive interventions. We explored the socio-cultural factors and practices as well as social network structures that underlie SMI and vulnerability to RSB in an adult population.Methods We did a cross-sectional qualitative study at Butabika and Masaka hospitals. We collected data from a total of 32 participants; 12, 8 and 12, semi-structured interviews for persons living with SMI, carers and mental health specialists respectively. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We followed framework analysis principles, to manage, analyze and interpret the data. We used illuminating verbatim quotations to illustrate major findings.Results Risky sexual behavior was noted to be common among persons with severe mental illness; and a growing problem mostly understood in the context of HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies, and sexual encounters with strangers. The problem was largely attributed to the compromised sense of judgement due to the underlying morbidity, abnormally high libido, poverty, desperation and inadequate social support associated with severe mental illness. Sexual starvation due to stigma/discrimination and long periods of hospitalization was also reported fuel irresponsible and risky sexual acts. Respondents also cited some practices and systemic weaknesses within the hospitals that inadvertently expose patients to RSB such as stripping patients going to the seclusion room naked, and inadequate monitoring of patients. The limited scope in understanding of the problem was thought to hamper efforts to address the problem. Unfortunately, there were no reports of health education initiatives specifically to address the problem.Conclusions The study revealed that risky sexual behavior is common among persons with severe mental illness, and identified several moderating factors. The study further highlighted the need to integrate sexual and reproductive health into mental health services.

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“…The need for training to increase their competence was greatly expressed by health workers though they were not sure how sexuality issues would be incorporated in MH services, their roles and the extent to which health management would be supportive [ 37 ]. Furthermore, studies show that SRH of people with MI is rarely assessed in psychiatric health facilities [ 38 – 42 ]. For instance, only 37% of youth admitted in a Canadian psychiatric hospital had SRH assessment documented [ 41 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A qualitative exploration of Ugandan mental health care workers’ perspectives and experiences on sexual and reproductive health of people living with mental illness in Uganda

2022

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Background People with Mental Illness experience vast sexual and reproductive health challenges due to the affected mental health. Globally, prevalence of mental illness is on the rise with subsequent increase in the number of people with sexual and reproductive challenges warranting urgent public health intervention. However, information on the perceptions and experiences of mental health workers, the key health care providers for this population is generally lacking yet it’s essential for formulation of appropriate policies and public health interventions. Aim To explore Ugandan mental health care worker’s perspectives and experiences on the sexual and reproductive health of people living with mental illness in Uganda in order to generate recommendations to the ministry of health on how it can be improved. Materials and methods Qualitative study design was employed with utilization of phone call semi-structured in-depth interviews to collect data from 14 mental health workers from Uganda’s National mental referral hospital, Butabika. Purposive sampling and convenience recruitment was done and the collected data was analyzed using Thematic content analysis. Results Four themes were generated which included people with Mental illness having normal sexual needs, mental illness effect on sexuality and relationships, practices for safeguarding sexuality of people with mental illness and the barriers encountered in the provision of sexual and reproductive health services at a mental hospital. Conclusion People with mental illness experience a multitude of sexual and reproductive health challenges that need public health interventions. However, the integration of sexual and reproductive health services in a mental hospital are not yet successful making people with mental illness to remain with unaddressed health challenges. Policies should therefore be developed and implemented to ensure successful integration of sexual and reproductive health at all mental health service care provision points.

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An exploratory investigation of sexual health screening in the first 12 weeks of case management in populations with severe mental illness

Cited by 6 publications

References 56 publications

HIV and Serious Mental Illness

HIV and Serious Mental Illness

Factors contributing to vulnerability to risky sexual behaviour in severe mental illness in the Ugandan socio-cultural context

A qualitative exploration of Ugandan mental health care workers’ perspectives and experiences on sexual and reproductive health of people living with mental illness in Uganda

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