Sexual health screening and treatment in psychiatry inpatients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The acceptability and impact of sexual health screening and treatment in psychiatry inpatients
IRAS ID
286183
Contact name
Nicole Needham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 23 days
Research summary
During a 6 month period, all patients admitted to General Adult Psychiatry wards at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital who consent to the study will be offered a sexual health screen. This will include as a minimum a blood test for HIV and syphilis, and a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test via a urine sample or self-taken vaginal swab, for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If indicated due to increased risk, patients will be offered additional tests. The study seeks to determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in this population.
A protocol to manage positive results has been devised in conjunction with the sexual health clinic in Edinburgh, and its effectiveness will be evaluated. If a patient has a positive result they will be advised by the research team to seek treatment either on the ward or at the sexual health clinic. If they have been discharged they will be advised to seek treatment from their GP or the sexual health clinic, dependent on their preference. The outcome of this will be followed up by the researchers. Patients will be asked a couple of feedback questions in person or by telephone once their participation in the study is complete.
The incidence of STIs is increasing in the general population, and untreated STIs have significant consequences for both individuals, and on a population level. Several studies have identified a higher prevalence of a variety of STIs in patients with mental illness globally. Patients with mental illness may be less likely to access testing and treatment for multiple reasons, including risky behaviour, and poor access to medical care. One study in a London psychiatric hospital tested 57 patients for blood borne viruses and had 4 new diagnoses. This has not been conducted on a larger scale, or to incorporate a full sexual health screen.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0049
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion