Clinical trial NCT06397664: The Impact of Chronic Adolescent Skin Conditions on Sexual Health
Official title: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study on the Impact of Chronic Adolescent Skin Conditions on Sexual Health
Study type: OBSERVATIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Conditions: Psychological
Sexual Dysfunction
Adolescent Development
Interaction, Social
Dermatologic Disease
Lead sponsor: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2024-05-03
Enrollment: 91
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 17
Maximum age (years): 25
Standard ages: CHILD
ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Observational model: OTHER
Time perspective: RETROSPECTIVE
Sampling method: NON_PROBABILITY_SAMPLE
Study population: Participants are adolescents aged 17-25 (inclusive) who have a chronic skin condition and are seen as follow-up patients under the Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Trust Dermatology Department.

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.


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.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Scores from the modified T-QOL (Teenager's Quality of Life Index) to 1 year
timeFrame: Baseline (Retrospective study)
measure: Scores from the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function)
timeFrame: Baseline (Retrospective study)
measure: Scores from the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index)
timeFrame: Baseline (Retrospective study)
measure: Scores from the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire)
timeFrame: Baseline (Retrospective study)
measure: Scores from the GAD-2 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 2-item)
timeFrame: Baseline (Retrospective study)
Secondary outcomes:
measure: A narrative synthesis detailing risk factors impacting sexual function in adolescents with chronic skin conditions
timeFrame: Baseline (Retrospective study)
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Oxford
country: United Kingdom
facility: Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Study officials:
References: