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Sexual health is one of the main areas of health and basic human rights which has been paid less attention in schizophrenia. Most studies have focused on sexual dysfunction rather than the sexual needs of people with schizophrenia. This study explores the sexual needs of people with schizophrenia and identify factors hindering sexual activities. We carried out a qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach.
Data were collected at a psychiatric hospital in China. In total, 20 patients with schizophrenia were recruited through purposive sampling. Face to face semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with them. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was used for reporting.
The data analysis revealed 10 subthemes categorized into 3 macro themes: 1 multiple barriers hinder sexual activity; 2 significance of sex; and 3 conditions for fulfilling sexual needs. A poor sexual quality of life may be found in patients with schizophrenia. Furthermore, people with schizophrenia did not lose interest in maintaining an active sex life. Mental health services should address this issue in three areas: sexual knowledge, sexual space, and sexual objects.
Keywords: Sexual needs, Schizophrenia, Psychiatric nursing, Descriptive phenomenology, Qualitative study. It is often accompanied by cognitive impairment and social dysfunction, such as reduced family role function and a lack of social skills [ 2 ].
