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Contact Information:

Dr Margaret Heslin
02078485055
margaret.heslin@kcl.ac.uk


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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Accessing sexual health care for people with severe mental illness
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Accessing sexual health care for people with severe mental illness

Not Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Adult

London London

Medical Conditions

Sexual health in people with severe mental illness (schizophrenia and related disorders, bipolar disorder and psychotic major depression)

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


People with severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia) experience more physical illnesses compared to those who do not have mental illness. As a result, mental health services are increasingly offering service users regular health checks and healthy living advice. However, sexual health often remains overlooked. People with severe mental illness are LESS likely to attend sexual health services. Improved engagement with, and access to, sexual health services is essential for the treatment and prevention of sexual ill health. However, very little is known about why people with severe mental illness are less likely to access sexual health services. Therefore, this study will seek to identify the barriers to effective support and offer recommendations around sexual and reproductive health care in this group. To do this, the research team will talk directly to people with severe mental illness and sexual and reproductive health staff.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

07 Jun 2024 22 Apr 2025

Participants will be asked about their views and experiences of sexual and reproductive healthcare in private 1 to 1 interview, either in person, on an online video call or using the telephone.


Adults aged 18 years old and over with a current diagnosis of severe mental illness. For this study, severe mental illness will be defined as including all psychosis, schizophrenia and schizophrenia-related disorders, bipolar disorder and psychotic major depression. People who work in the sexual and reproductive health services.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


Service users:1. Not diagnosed with a severe mental illness2. Aged under 18 years old3. Are considered by the researcher(s) to be too unwell or distressed to participate in the study4. Are unable to give informed consent to the study

Staff: 1. Are not currently working in sexual and reproductive healthcare provision or have not done so in the last 3 years2. Are unable to give informed consent to the study


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • King's College London
    De Cresginy Park
    London
    SE5 8AF
  • Maudsley and Bethlem Hospital School
    Maudsley Hospital Denmark Hill
    London
    SE5 8AZ

There will be no direct benefits from taking part in this research. However, participants might value speaking with the researcher in the interview and value having the opportunity to share their experiences. They will also receive a £20 voucher as a thank you.
Participants will be asked questions about their experiences, their opinions and, if applicable, their views on the care that they have received, which they may find personal. They can take time to answer and do not have to answer questions that they do not want to. They can also discuss any concerns at the end of the interview, and they will be asked if they would like their healthcare provider or case worker/support worker to be told so that they can provide further support.

Dr Margaret Heslin
02078485055
margaret.heslin@kcl.ac.uk



The study is sponsored by King's College London and funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research.



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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN43081021

Or CPMS 61699

Last updated 25 April 2025

This page is to help you find out about a research study and if you may be able to take part

You can print or share the study information with your GP/healthcare provider or contact the research team directly.   

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