Education about sexuality in the elderly by healthcare professionals: a survey from the Southern Hemisphere

Helmes, Edward; Chapman, Joanne

doi:10.1080/14681811.2011.601172

Cited by 27 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Sexuality education is a method to reduce common negative stereotypes about this aspect of life [6] and it is not yet widespread in medical practice to investigate and treat sexual dysfunction. A rational approach to the problem should involve in-depth discussion and investigation of the root causes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medical and Health Care Professionals’ Sexuality Education: State of the Art and Recommendations

Verrastro

Saladino

Petruccelli

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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Sexuality is considered an important aspect of holistic care, but research has shown that it is often not considered, as it should be, in health services. Addressing clients’ sexuality requires a multidisciplinary approach and is not the responsibility of a single professional. The literature underlines that university students or those working in hospitals and other health care facilities are not adequately prepared to meet patients’ needs regarding sexuality. The objective of this study was, therefore, to review the scientific literature addressing training courses for health professionals in sexuality between 2000 and 2020. Several studies have shown enhancement in health care professionals’ ability to deal with patients’ sexuality issues after participating in sexuality education programs, regardless of the course load and modality, even if the long-term effects have still to be proved. Health care professionals therefore require education in the area of sexuality, regardless of their discipline. According to the articles reviewed, in order to improve the performance and comfort level of health care professionals to deal with patients’ sexuality, investments in training are necessary. Further evaluations of interdisciplinary sexuality education programmes should use larger samples and explore the differences across disciplines.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medical and Health Care Professionals’ Sexuality Education: State of the Art and Recommendations

Verrastro

Saladino

Petruccelli

et al. 2020

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In multiple regression analysis, the recognition that sexual behavior does not cease to be important in later life was the strongest predictor of holding a positive view on sexuality in later life. Greater knowledge is associated with more positive and permissive attitudes (Hillman & Stricker, 1996); therefore, if accurate facts are communicated, education may be the antidote to negative beliefs rooted in ageist stereotypes (Helmes & Chapman, 2012). This suggests if educators emphasized the importance and value of sexual expression for older adults across domains of health and well-being, it may be possible to dispel negative views of aging in later life.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Sexuality in Later Life: Examining Beliefs and Perceptions of Undergraduate Students

Freeman

Sousa

Neufeld

2013

Gerontology & Geriatrics Education

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Understanding students' beliefs and perceptions of sex/sexuality in later life can reduce and prevent ageist myths and stereotypes. The objective of this study was to gauge undergraduate students' knowledge of several myths, stereotypes, and facts regarding sex/sexuality in later life, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) older adults. More than 85% of students held a positive view of sex/sexuality in later life with 65% believing that they would engage in sexual activity past age 80 (N=125). Correct responses to true/false questions were higher for those with a positive perspective on aging, and recognizing that sexual behavior does not cease to be important with aging was the strongest predictor of holding a positive view on sexuality in later life. No significant differences were observed from responses regarding LGBT older adults or constraints to sexuality in long term care facilities. The positive perceptions among students in the current study suggest an increased acceptance of sexuality and diversity that should be maintained in university curricula.

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“…Previous studies have already shown that physical health, cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes and arthritis may influence the expression of sexuality (Helmes & Chapman, 2012;Lindau et al, 2007). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How do formal caregivers experience the sexuality of older adults? Beliefs and attitudes towards older adults’ sexuality

Monteiro¹,

Humboldt²,

Leal³

2017

Psychol. Community Health

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Aim: The way caregivers experience the sexuality of older adults has implications to their identity and sexual manifestations. There are few studies that focus on the meaning of caring of older adults, taking into account their sexuality. This study aims to explore the experiences of formal caregivers (FC) towards sexuality among older adults, and to obtain a description of their experiences. Method: Complete data were available from six caregivers working in a nursing home. We used a sociodemographic questionnaire and topic interview guide. The data was subjected to content analysis. Results:The most prevalent response of the interviewed participants for 'beliefs about the interest in sexuality' was 'health limitations despite the desire', for 'observed behaviours related to sexual expression' was 'masturbation', and for 'reactions/behaviours due to the demonstration of sexual expression was 'using humour". Conclusion: Future educational and intervention programs in the institution should take into account our findings to improve their efficacy on discussing these issues and to ultimately promote sexual wellbeing.Keywords: attitudes, beliefs, formal caregiver, nursing home, older adults' sexuality ResumoObjetivo: A forma como os cuidadores experienciam a sexualidade dos idosos tem implicações na sua identidade e nas suas manifestações sexuais. Existem poucos estudos que se focam no significado do cuidar dos idosos, tendo em conta a sua sexualidade. Este estudo tem como objetivo explorar as experiências dos cuidadores formais (FC) em relação à sexualidade nos idosos e obter uma descrição das suas experiências. Método: Foram disponibilizados dados completos de seis cuidadores que trabalham num lar de idosos. Utilizámos um questionário sociodemográfico e um guião de entrevista. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Resultados: A resposta mais prevalente dos participantes entrevistados para "crenças acerca do interesse pela sexualidade" foi "limitações de saúde apesar do desejo", para "comportamentos observados de expressão sexual" foi "masturbação", e para "reações/ comportamentos face à expressão sexual" foi "uso do humor". Conclusão: Os futuros programas educacionais e de intervenção na instituição devem ter em consideração os nossos resultados de forma a melhorar a sua eficácia na discussão dessas questões e, em última instância, promover o bem-estar sexual. There are several factors that can affect sexual manifestation in older adults, such as the lack of privacy, the negative attitudes of FCs, lack of a sexual partner, cognitive dysfunctions, health problems and physical disabilities, amongst which the main barriers appear to be the attitudes of the FC and the lack of privacy (Parker, 2007;Tarzia, Bauer, Fetherstonhaugh, & Nay, 2013). PalavrasResearch has shown that FCs play a central role in the care of institutionalized older adults and indirectly determine beliefs and actions and which sexual acts are tolerated (Lyder, 1994). The attitudes and knowledge of FCs regarding the sexuality of ...

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Education about sexuality in the elderly by healthcare professionals: a survey from the Southern Hemisphere

Cited by 27 publications

References 30 publications

Medical and Health Care Professionals’ Sexuality Education: State of the Art and Recommendations

Medical and Health Care Professionals’ Sexuality Education: State of the Art and Recommendations

Sexuality in Later Life: Examining Beliefs and Perceptions of Undergraduate Students

How do formal caregivers experience the sexuality of older adults? Beliefs and attitudes towards older adults’ sexuality

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