Evaluating family knowledge about sexual health in patients with severe mental illness: a qualitative study in Iran

INTRODUCTION: Although paying more attention to sex education in patients with severe mental illness is recommended in the literature, the role of families has not been specifically clarified. AIM: This study aims to explore family knowledge about sexual health in patients with severe mental illness in Iran. METHODS: We conducted a total number of 21 interviews with 4 patients, 5 families, 7 psychiatrists, 1 general practitioner, 2 nurses, and 2 psychologists through purposive sampling. The text was analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The family knowledge about patients’ sexual health is described in three subcategories: ‘informal sources for knowledge acquisition’, ‘common myths, and ‘inappropriate reaction to the patients’ needs”. CONCLUSIONS: Family sex education should be integrated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program to promote sexual health in patients with severe mental illness. Family members should be aware of the necessity of accurate information about patients’ sexual concerns. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12888-022-03788-4.