Gaby F van Ek1, Esmée M Krouwel1, Melianthe P Nicolai1, Hanneke Bouwsma2, Jan Ringers3, Hein Putter4, Rob C M Pelger1, Henk W Elzevier1. 1. Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. 2. Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Transplant Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. 4. Department of Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common problem in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sexual health remains a difficult subject to detect and discuss. Although many studies have been performed on the incidence of SD, little is known about practice patterns when it concerns quality of life (QoL)-related questions such as SD in the nephrologists' practice. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine to which extent nephrologists, important renal care providers, discuss SD with their patients and their possible barriers toward discussing this subject. METHODS: A 50-item questionnaire was sent to all Dutch nephrologists (n = 312). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The survey results. RESULTS: The response rate of the survey was 34.5%. Almost all responders (96.4%) stated to address SD in less than half of their new patients. The most important barrier not to discuss SD was patients not expressing their concern regarding SD spontaneously (70.8%). Other important barriers were: "the lack of a suitable moment to discuss" (61.9%) and "insufficient time" (46.9%). Eighty-five percent of the nephrologists stated that insufficient attention was paid to SD and treatment options during their training. Sixty-five percent of the respondents stated to be in need of extending their knowledge on the discussing of SD. CONCLUSIONS: Dutch nephrologists do not discuss problems with sexual function routinely. The lack of knowledge, suitable education, and insufficient time are factors causing undervaluation of SD in CKD patients. Implementation of competent sexual education and raising awareness among nephrologists on the importance of paying attention to SD could improve care and QoL for patients with CKD. More research should be performed among patients and other renal care providers to develop an adequate method to enhance our current system.
INTRODUCTION:Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common problem in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sexual health remains a difficult subject to detect and discuss. Although many studies have been performed on the incidence of SD, little is known about practice patterns when it concerns quality of life (QoL)-related questions such as SD in the nephrologists' practice. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine to which extent nephrologists, important renal care providers, discuss SD with their patients and their possible barriers toward discussing this subject. METHODS: A 50-item questionnaire was sent to all Dutch nephrologists (n = 312). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The survey results. RESULTS: The response rate of the survey was 34.5%. Almost all responders (96.4%) stated to address SD in less than half of their new patients. The most important barrier not to discuss SD was patients not expressing their concern regarding SD spontaneously (70.8%). Other important barriers were: "the lack of a suitable moment to discuss" (61.9%) and "insufficient time" (46.9%). Eighty-five percent of the nephrologists stated that insufficient attention was paid to SD and treatment options during their training. Sixty-five percent of the respondents stated to be in need of extending their knowledge on the discussing of SD. CONCLUSIONS: Dutch nephrologists do not discuss problems with sexual function routinely. The lack of knowledge, suitable education, and insufficient time are factors causing undervaluation of SD in CKDpatients. Implementation of competent sexual education and raising awareness among nephrologists on the importance of paying attention to SD could improve care and QoL for patients with CKD. More research should be performed among patients and other renal care providers to develop an adequate method to enhance our current system.
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Authors: Yiman Wang; Jaapjan D Snoep; Marc H Hemmelder; Koen E A van der Bogt; Willem Jan W Bos; Paul J M van der Boog; Friedo W Dekker; Aiko P J de Vries; Yvette Meuleman Journal: Clin Kidney J Date: 2021-01-20
Authors: Gaby F van Ek; Esmée M Krouwel; Melianthe P J Nicolai; Brenda L Den Oudsten; Marjolein E M Den Ouden; Sandra W M Dieben; Hein Putter; Rob C M Pelger; Henk W Elzevier Journal: Int Urol Nephrol Date: 2017-03-29 Impact factor: 2.370
Authors: Petra J M van Hees; Anton A van der Plas; Gaby F van Ek; Hein Putter; Brenda L Den Oudsten; Marjolein E M den Ouden; Henk W Elzevier Journal: J Neural Transm (Vienna) Date: 2016-11-24 Impact factor: 3.575