Emerging homosexual conduct during hospitalization among chronic schizophrenia patients

Abstract

Objective: The study investigated the emerging homosexual conduct during hospitalization among chronic schizophrenia patients. Method: We interviewed 55 male and 58 female chronic schizophrenic patients to investigate their sexual history before and after admission. Those patients were under 45 years old, without significant deteriorated cognitive function, lived in a homogeneous gender chronic ward and did not demonstrate homosexual behaviour before admission. Results: Nineteen patients (16.8%) reported having homosexual conducts during hospitalization. Their characteristics were: 1) having sexual experience before admission; 2) with younger age at first sexual experience; and 3) female patients having more sexual partners before admission. Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients need a sexual outlet during long‐term hospitalization. Sexual education and counselling are greatly needed.