title: Sexual attitudes, experience and relationships amongst patients in a high security hospital.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Detention in high security hospitals tends to last several years during patients' early adulthood, yet romantic partnerships and sexuality have been little studied.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study such relationships among these inpatients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were engaged in a confidential, purpose-designed semi-structured interview concerning their relationships and their views on those of others.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven (of 10) women and 18 (of 24) men gave interviews. All but one had previously been sexually active. No previous relationship lasted into high security but half (15) reported a new relationship. Most emphasized the importance of caring in respect of sexual activity but sexual intimacy short of intercourse was reported. Most (17) could describe 'safe sex' practices, but few (5) had ever followed them. At least half had experienced seriously abusive sexual relationships in childhood.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients appeared able to talk reliably about their romantic and sexual relationships, their interest in which did not cease on incarceration. Findings suggest that it is important for staff to have accurate information on these to ensure safety and adequate support.
authors.affiliation: The Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, London, UK. HHales@tavi-port.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hales
authors.forename: Crystal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Romilly
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Davison
authors.forename: Pamela J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D021841:Safe Sex; D012637:Security Measures; D012725:Sexual Behavior