The Impact of Chronic Adolescent Skin Conditions on Sexual Health

NCT ID: NCT06397664

Last Updated: 2025-01-13

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Total Enrollment: 91 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-04-29
• Study Completion Date: 2024-12-30

Brief Summary

Background: Skin conditions are common in young people and are known to adversely affect emotional well-being and quality of life in a range of ways, including negative impact on intimate relationships. However, despite its importance, it has been shown that dermatology consultations rarely address issues like genital skin involvement or sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, there is currently very little data on the scale of the problem, risk factors, psychological impact of skin on sexual function or understanding of the most appropriate ways to manage it in this age group.

Research aims: The Dermatology department at Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Trust (Oxford, United Kingdom) have already set up an award-winning specialist dermatology service for young people with embedded psychological support. This study further explores how services can be improved by evaluating the impact of chronic skin conditions on quality of life and sexual dysfunction in adolescents. By identifying the associated risk factors, recommendations can be made to effectively meet the physical and mental health needs of adolescents.

Design and methods: The study will gain perspectives from follow-up patients aged 17 - 25 years seen by the Dermatology departments in Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Trust (Oxford, United Kingdom). They will complete an online anonymous survey to share how their skin condition affects their quality of life, including sex and intimacy, and how services can be improved to meet their needs. In-depth interviews will then be conducted in those who volunteer, to better understand the nuances of unmet needs. Participation is voluntary.

Dissemination: Results of the research will be disseminated by national and international conferences, publications in academic dermatology journals and collaborations with other NHS departments. Improvements will be made to the local adolescent dermatology service as a result and shared via local meetings and posters.

Conditions

Psychological; Sexual Dysfunction; Adolescent Development; Interaction, Social; Dermatologic Disease

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: OTHER
• Study Time Perspective: RETROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• The participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
• Male or Female, aged 17-25 (inclusive).
• Diagnosed with a long-term skin condition and seen as a follow-up patient in the clinic.
• Recruited from Paediatric/Adolescent, General and Acne clinics under the Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Trust Dermatology Department.
• Fluent in English (reading and writing).

Exclusion Criteria

• No informed consent was given to participate in the study or use the data for research purposes.
• No capacity to make an informed decision to consent.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 17 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 25 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Tess Mcpherson

Primary Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom

Countries

United Kingdom

Other Identifiers

329926

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id