AzTrials
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PsychologicalNCT06397664

The Impact of Chronic Adolescent Skin Conditions on Sexual Health

An observational study of Psychological and Sexual Dysfunction, run by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust at 1 site in United Kingdom.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial 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. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 17 to 25 years
How many people
91 participants
Where
1 siteUnited Kingdom
Study dates
29 Apr 2024to 30 Dec 2024
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 17 to 25 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

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.

Who may be able to join

  • 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).

Who cannot join

  • 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.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United Kingdom1 site
  • Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

    Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LE

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: 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.

Read more

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.

Medical subject headings
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological, Skin Diseases

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Scores From the Modified Teenager's Quality of Life Index (T-QOL) to 1 Year

    The Teenager's Quality of Life Index (T-QOL) questionnaire is a validated, self-reported measure assessing the impact of skin disease on quality of life in adolescents. For this study, the recall period was modified from 1 week to the previous 12 months to capture the impact of chronic relapsing and remitting skin conditions. Total scores range from 0 to 36, comprising three subscales: Self-image (0-16), Physical wellbeing and future aspirations (0-8), and Psychological impact and relationships (0-12). Subscale scores are summed to generate the total score. Higher scores indicate greater impairment in quality of life (worse outcome).

    Measured: Baseline assessment at study enrolment, collected prospectively via participant self-report questionnaires.

  2. Scores From the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function)

    The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a validated, self-reported measure assessing male sexual function, including erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. It comprises five domains: Erectile Function (0-30), Intercourse Satisfaction (0-15), Orgasmic Function (0-10), Sexual Desire (0-10), and Overall Satisfaction (0-10). Domain scores are summed to generate a total score (0-75). For each scale range and the total score, lower scores indicate worse sexual function, while higher scores indicate better sexual function (better outcome). Tables report mean scores ± SEM for each domain and the total score.

    Measured: Baseline assessment at study enrolment, collected prospectively via participant self-report questionnaires.

  3. Scores From the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index)

    The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a validated, self-reported measure assessing female sexual function across six domains: Sexual Desire, Arousal, Lubrication, Orgasm, Satisfaction, and Pain. Raw (unweighted) domain scores are reported in the tables, with the following ranges: Sexual Desire [2-10], Arousal [0-20], Lubrication [0-20], Orgasm [0-15], Satisfaction [2-15], and Pain [0-15]. Domain scores are calculated by summing item responses and applying domain-specific weighting factors, with a maximum weighted score of 6.0 per domain. Weighted domain scores are summed to produce a total score ranging from 2.0 to 36.0 reported in the tables. Higher scores, for individual scale ranges and the total score, indicate better sexual function.

    Measured: Baseline assessment at study enrolment, collected prospectively via participant self-report questionnaires.

  4. 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.

    Measured: Baseline assessment at study enrolment, collected prospectively via participant self-report questionnaires.

  5. Scores From the GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item)

    GAD-7 screens for generalised anxiety disorder. The scores range from 0 (unlikely to have GAD) to 21 (most likely to have GAD).

    It is self-reported and validated.

    Measured: Baseline assessment at study enrolment, collected prospectively via participant self-report questionnaires.

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Reduced Confidence in Pursuing Romantic or Intimate Relationships

    This outcome is based on qualitative thematic analysis. Participants with different chronic inflammatory skin conditions were analysed together to explore shared experiences of chronic inflammatory disease. Individual diagnostic arms were not analysed separately due to small numbers and because the analysis focused on cross-condition themes rather than condition-specific comparisons. Therefore, Arms/Groups were combined for this outcome.

    Measured: One 60-minute interview session (within 3 months from baseline survey)

  2. Symptomatic Manifestations Impeding Intimacy

    This outcome is based on qualitative thematic analysis. Participants with different chronic inflammatory skin conditions were analysed together to explore shared experiences of chronic inflammatory disease. While Arms/Groups were combined for the primary analysis, condition-specific sub-themes were examined descriptively where relevant, and are presented as sub-groups within this outcome. Formal condition-specific comparisons were not performed due to small sample sizes.

    Measured: One 60-minute interview session (within 3 months from baseline survey)

  3. Feeling Supported But Still Struggling

    This outcome is based on qualitative thematic analysis. Participants with different chronic inflammatory skin conditions were analysed together to explore shared experiences of chronic inflammatory disease. Individual diagnostic arms were not analysed separately due to small numbers and because the analysis focused on cross-condition themes rather than condition-specific comparisons. Therefore, Arms/Groups were combined for this outcome.

    Measured: One 60-minute interview session (within 3 months from baseline survey)

  4. Participant Perspectives on the Need for Clinicians to Reframe Communication

    This outcome is based on qualitative thematic analysis and highlights participants' perspectives on the need for clinicians to reframe communication in clinics to approach the topic of intimacy. Participants with different chronic inflammatory skin conditions were analysed together to explore shared experiences of chronic inflammatory disease. Individual diagnostic arms were not analysed separately due to small numbers and because the analysis focused on cross-condition themes rather than condition-specific comparisons. Therefore, Arms/Groups were combined for this outcome.

    Measured: One 60-minute interview session (within 3 months from baseline survey)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted3 May 2024
  2. Study start29 Apr 2024
  3. Primary completion1 Aug 2024
  4. Study completion30 Dec 2024

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Other
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
91 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06397664
Sponsor's protocol ID
329926
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
24 Apr 2024
Last updated
26 Oct 2026
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Psychological and Sexual Dysfunction, run by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust at 1 site in United Kingdom.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 26 Oct 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Scores From the Modified Teenager's Quality of Life Index (T-QOL) to 1 Year (time frame: Baseline assessment at study enrolment, collected prospectively via participant self-report questionnaires.). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Oct 2026.

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