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- Title
Sex Education for Patients with Severe Mental Illness-The Role of the Family: A Qualitative Study in Iran.
- Authors
Mirsepassi, Zahra; Raisi, Firoozeh; Shahvari, Zahra; Seyyed Taha Yahyavi; Reihaneh Firoozi Khojastefar
- Abstract
Background: The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the role of the family in sex education for patients with severe mental illness in Iran. Method: A total number of 20 interviews were conducted with 4 patients, 5 family members, 6 psychiatrists, 1 general practitioner, 2 nurses and 2 psychologists. The interviews have been conducted by 2 psychiatrists and a Ph.D. degree specializing in reproductive health care. All participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Conventional qualitative content analysis was done. Results: In this qualitative study, the mean age of patients and families were 33 years old (17-49) and 50 years old (29-60), respectively. The mean age of clinicians was 59 (49-70).The clinicians have more than 5 years of experience in treating patients with severe mental illness. The role of family is described in 2 categories which are: “Family members' attitude to the sexuality of the patient" and “the role of the family in assisting patients." Furthermore, the category “family members' attitude to the sexuality of the patient" consists of 2 subcategories: “Obtained information from the community" and “incorrect personal beliefs." The families have obtained their information from various sources such as acquaintances, others family members, the media, informal social activists networks and health care providers. Also, “the role of family in assisting patients" consists of 2 subcategories: “The role of family members in relation to the patient" and “the role of family members in relation to themselves." Some other sub subcategories are “support", “supervision" and “acceptance of the patient's capabilities". Conclusion: Families are concerned about the patient's sexuality and cultural issues may impose challenges in Iran. Families may feel ashamed to make inquiries from the patient in regards to sexual issues. They may have the same feeling in transferring these concerns to clinicians. Family education about patient's sexuality should be integrated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Family awareness on sexuality in patients with severe mental illness and a good relationship between patients and caregivers can facilitate patient-clinician communication. Although patients should be supervised by families, it is necessary to be aware of excessive protectionist behaviors towards the patient and developing an emotionally super charged environment.
- Subjects
IRAN; FAMILY roles; PATIENT education; SOCIAL networks; SEX education; PATIENTS' attitudes
- Publication
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences / Progress in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, 2018, p176
- ISSN
1735-8639
- Publication type
Article