Sexual and reproductive healthcare provided to women diagnosed with serious mental illness: healthcare professionals’ perspectives

Abstract

Background: Women diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) face increasedvulnerability and significant risks to their sexual and reproductive health, an issue thatis often overlooked in healthcare systems. Aim: This study aimed to explore the sexualand reproductive healthcare provided to women with SMI, based on the perspectives ofprofessionals specialising in mental health and sexual and reproductive health. Methods:A descriptive qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conductedwith a purposive sample of professionals from community mental health and sexual andreproductive health in Catalonia (Spain). Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Two themes were identified: clinical practice and professional context. The clinicalpractice theme had three sub-themes: lack of a preventive framework, attention to sexualand reproductive needs, and supporting women in their desire for motherhood and inpregnancy. The professional context theme had four sub-themes: cross-disciplinary coordination,lack of protocols, lack of human resources and time, and lack of training in mentalhealth. Conclusions: Mental health professionals and sexual and reproductive healthprofessionals expressed different perspectives about sexual and reproductive healthcare forwomen with SMI, pointing to a need for greater training and coordination.