The Impact of Chronic Adolescent Skin Conditions on Sexual Health

A Quantitative and Qualitative Study on the Impact of Chronic Adolescent Skin Conditions on Sexual Health

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Sexual Dysfunction; Psychological; Adolescent Development; Dermatologic Disease; Interaction, Social

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 91

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United Kingdom
  • Oxford, United Kingdom, OX3 7LE
    • Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• 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.

Description

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.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Scores from the modified T-QOL (Teenager's Quality of Life Index) to 1 year	T-QOL is modified to 1 year to reflect the impact of chronic skin conditions. Scores range from 0 (least impairment on quality of life) to 36 (greatest impairment on quality of life). It is self-reported and validated.	Baseline (Retrospective study)
Scores from the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function)	IIEF reflects 5 domains - male erectile function (maximum score 30) and intercourse satisfaction (maximum score 15), orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction (maximum scores of 10). Low scores correlate with worse outcomes. It is self-reported and validated.	Baseline (Retrospective study)
Scores from the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index)	FSFI reflects 6 domains - female sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. All domains have a maximum score of 6 and can be totalled. Low scores correlate with worse outcomes. It is self-reported and validated.	Baseline (Retrospective study)
Scores from the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire)	PHQ-9 is a diagnostic tool to monitor depression severity. Scores range from 0 (no depression) to 27 (severe depression). It is self-reported and validated.	Baseline (Retrospective study)
Scores from the GAD-2 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 2-item)	GAD-2 initially screens for generalised anxiety disorder. The scores range from 0 (unlikely to have GAD) to 6 (most likely to have GAD). It is self-reported and validated.	Baseline (Retrospective study)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
A narrative synthesis detailing risk factors impacting sexual function in adolescents with chronic skin conditions	A narrative synthesis derived from the thematic analysis of at least 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews, using a constant comparison and mind-mapped approach.	Baseline (Retrospective study)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): April 29, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): August 1, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): December 30, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 24, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 30, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): May 3, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 10, 2025
• Last Verified: January 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Skin Diseases
• Other Study ID Numbers: 329926

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No