Obscene Behavior: A Real Challenge for Therapeutic Relationship

Abstract

Background and Aims: Number of studies in healthcare context has described the rehabilitators as harassment perpetrator and patient as the victim, in particular therapists. Therefore, these issues must examine the dynamics of patient-therapists’ relationships to understand the factors related to the inappropriate sexual behavior. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on physical and occupational therapists, recruited via convenience sampling technique. The data was collected through Inappropriate Patient Sexual Behavior questionnaire, sent to participants via email or WhatsApp groups. Results: A total number of 106 participants including 12.3% males and 87.7% females with 71.7% physical and 28.3% occupational therapist. The finding revealed that 82.1% therapists never had training in the context of understanding the inappropriate patient sexual behavior. Whereas 28.3% revealed that a patient has stared the body that made them uncomfortable, 9.5% reported to have sexual flattering remarks, 4.7% had purposeful touched in a sexual manner. Unfortunately, only 37.7%has expressed their disgust and raised voice to report the issues. Conclusion: It was concluded that relatively very low percentage of IPSB is present and reported cases are usually recorded as disgust feeling or raised voice. Thus for healthy therapeutic relationship, training for handling obscene behavior must be conducted and the curriculum should promote knowledge of this aspect.