Sexual and reproductive health of women with mental disorders: Health professionals’ perceptions

Abstract

This study’s objective was to identify health workers’ perceptions concerning the sexual and reproductive health of women with mental disorders and the consequences of their perceptions on care practice. This exploratory and qualitative study addressed 17 health professionals working in primary healthcare and Psychiatric services. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to interpret data. The reductionist perceptions of health workers concerning the sexual and reproductive health needs of women with mental disorders reflect on their practice, in which sexual and reproductive health is dissociated from mental health. Therefore, professionals from both sexual/reproductive health and mental health care services need to work together to provide effective integral health care.