Sexuality perceptions of people with schizophrenia: preliminary results in a portuguese sample

In the Biological Dimension (Table 1) 55% of responses revealed an integrated sexuality, even considering that medication interferes negatively with their sexuality, and not always health professionals are sensitive to this problem. In what concerns the Relational/Emotional dimension (Table 2) 54% of responses indicated an integrating sexuality, despite the difficulties in carrying out social activities and dissatisfaction with emotional and sexual life. In Social-cultural & Ethical domain (Table 3) 57% of the responses were integrative, suggesting that beliefs and attitudes on sexuality are positive. If we analyze the 3 dimensions globally (Table 4) data reveals that 55% of respondents present an integrated sexuality while 35% a restrictive conception. Sexuality perceptions of people with schizophrenia: preliminary Sexuality perceptions of people with schizophrenia: preliminary results in a Portuguese sample results in a Portuguese sample António Marques 1,2,Teresa Santos 2,3 & Cristina Queirós 2,3 1 School of Allied Health Sciences - Porto Polytechnic Institute, Portugal 2 Psychosocial Rehabilitation Laboratory (FPCEUP / ESTSPIPP) – Porto, Portugal 3 Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences - Porto University, Portugal 1. Introduction 1. Introduction Sexuality is an important dimension of life (WHO, 2002), experienced by thoughts, fantasies, desires, values, beliefs and attitudes. To promote well-being and quality of life of people with schizophrenia, these should experience their sexuality in healthy ways. However, the way of living and feeling their sexuality and intimacy is frequently affected by schizophrenia symptoms and treatment drugs (Verhulst & Schneidman, 1981, cit in Salvador-Carulla et al., 2000). The lack of studies about this topic makes difficult to develop interventions in this area. It is necessary to understand sexuality in schizophrenia in a global and multidisciplinary way, using biological, social and affective approaches (Delville & Mercier, 1999) such as Rubio (1994) model suggests. Key words: Sexuality, Schizophrenic individuals, Sexual life, Emotional life, Questionnaire. 2. Aims 2. Aims To understand knowledge, beliefs and attitudes on sexuality of individuals with schizophrenia. 3. Methods 3. Methods Participants: 35 individuals with schizophrenia; 83% male and 17% female; aged between 24 - 64 years (M =41); 86% single, 77% are living with family; 55% with secondary school; 77% retired. Instruments: Sexual Believes and Attitudes Questionnaire (Santos et al., 2010) evaluating biologic, emotional, social-cultural and ethical dimensions of sexuality. Procedure: Data was collected at 3 Portuguese Mental Health Institutions, during 2010, using self-completion questionnaire, anonymous and confidential, after formal authorization. Data analysis: SPSS-15 was used to do a descriptive analysis; Table 1. Biological dimension (number of responses) Table 2. Relational / Emotional dimension (number of responses) 5. Conclusions 5. Conclusions 6. Bibliography 6. Bibliography These data indicates that the majority of people who were diagnosed with schizophrenia have an integrated conception/ attitude about sexuality. However it was on the relational/ emotional dimension, specially on social activity and in the development of affective and intimate relationship, that our study identified the most fragile aspects. This analysis reveals the importance of covering this domains on the therapeutic approaches. - Delville, J. & Mercier, M. (1999). Sexualité, vie affective et déficience mentale. Paris: Boeck Université. - Rubio, E. (1994). Modelo Holónico de la sexualidad humana – Introducción al estúdio de la sexualidad humana: conceptos básicos en sexualidad humana. In Consejo Nacional de Poblácion (Eds.). Antologia de la sexualidade humana, volume I. México: Ed. Porrua. In http://www.amssac.org/biblioteca%20modelo%20holonico%20de%20la%20sexualidad%20humana.htm - Salvador-Carrulla, L., Rodríguez-Blásquez, C., Salas, D., & Magallanes, T. (2000). Sexualidad y enfermedad mental crónica. In J.R. Amor (Ed.) Sexualidad y personas con discapacidad psiquica (pp.361-378). Madrid: FEAPS. - World Health Organization (2002). Report (2002) - Sexual Health. Genève: World Health Organization. 4. Results 4. Results Table 3. Social-cultural & Ethical dimension (number of responses) www.labrp.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Sub-category Restrictive* Integrated** Medication/ Doctors 71 122 Maternity/ Paternity 26 34 Sexual Activity 14 38 Number of responses 111 194 Percentage 31.7 % 55.4 % Sub-category Restrictive* Integrated** Sexual Activity/ Pleasure 85 130 Affections/ Intimacy 330 506 Corporal Image/ Self Esteem 126 359 Social Activity 400 265 Number of responses 941 1260 Percentage 40.1 % 53.7 % Sub-category Restrictive* Integrated** Global Concepts 125 418 Believes and Attitudes 344 532 Sexual Behaviors 27 63 Information/ Conversation 142 168 Number of responses 638 1181 Percentage 30.8 % 57.1 % Dimension Restrictive* Integrated** Frequency % Frequency % Biological 111 2.33 194 4.07 Relational / Emotional 941 19.7 1260 26.4 Social-cultural & Ethical 638 13.4 1181 24.8 Total 1690 35.5 2635 55.3 Data collected was organized in two analysis dimensions: *Restrictive Sexualityfor irresponsible, punitive, and stigmatizing sexuality ** Integrated Sexualityfor healthy, informed, and responsible Table 4. Global analysis of dimensions