TY - JOUR T1 - Young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions: sexuality and relationships support JF - BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care JO - BMJ Support Palliat Care SP - 163 LP - 169 DO - 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-002070 VL - 11 IS - 2 AU - Sarah Earle AU - Madeleine Blackburn Y1 - 2021/06/01 UR - http://spcare.bmj.com/content/11/2/163.abstract N2 - Objective The research project addressed the need to support young adults with issues relating to sexuality and relationships though the development of guidance and standards for practice.Methods An action research project underpinned by an interpretivist qualitative framework. Participants were recruited to the project via three hospices in the UK. Data from four focus groups were analysed thematically using a process of constant comparison.Results Sixteen young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions aged 21–33 years participated in the study. Three significant themes were identified: sexuality and the transition to adulthood, recognising the significance of sex and relationships, and realising sexual rights.Conclusion Sexuality and relationships play an important role in the transition to adulthood for people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions living in the UK. While young adults with these conditions may have considerable support needs, it is important to balance this with the freedom to exercise choice and to make independent decisions. Sex negativity can have an adverse impact on the experiences of young adults and creates barriers. Improved ongoing access to sex education and the provision of enabling environments that afford privacy and safety are important to support young adults with sexuality and relationships.Data are available upon reasonable request. Deidentified participant data are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author ORCID ID:0000-0003-2810-5659. ER -