Challenges in Taking Sexual History: A Qualitative Study of Indian Postgraduate Psychiatry Trainees

In India, psychiatrist is an important point of helpseeking for sexual complaints. A detailed sexual history can go a long way in understanding sexual difficulties. In this background, there is inadequate information on the difficulties that psychiatry postgraduate trainees experience while taking a sexual history as part of a routine mental health evaluation.

The aim was to study the difficulties experienced by postgraduate psychiatry trainees while taking sexual history as a part of routine mental health evaluation.

This study was conducted in an Indian medical college general hospital psychiatry setting.

This is a qualitative study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with postgraduate psychiatry trainees.

Content analysis was used to identify direct and latent themes.

Thematic saturation was achieved with 17 participants. Major themes of difficulties that emerged included trainee-related factors such as gender and sociocultural background of the trainee; patient-related factors such as age, gender, and sexual orientation; setting-related factors; and language-related difficulties.

Specific and regular training in taking a sexual history is essential in addressing the difficulties faced by postgraduate psychiatry trainees in India.