Bianca Fileborn1,2, Anthony Lyons1, Wendy Heywood1, Sharron Hinchliff3, Sue Malta4,5, Briony Dow4, Graham Brown1, Catherine Barrett1, Victor Minichiello1,6. 1. Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2. School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. 4. National Ageing Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 5. Swinburne Institute of Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 6. School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Healthcare providers (HCPs) can play an important role in supporting the sexual health of older adults; however, we know little about the experiences of older people in talking to HCPs about sex. This article examines older adults' experiences and perceptions of talking to HCPs about sex. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 men and 23 women aged 60 and older recruited from a national, online survey of older Australians. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: Most participants did not discuss sex with their HCP, and their HCP did not raise it. For those who did discuss sex with a HCP, negative and stigmatising responses were common. Positive responses could facilitate access to sexual health care. CONCLUSION: Older people benefit when HCPs are proactive and ask about sexual health. Education in how to talk about sex with older people would also be beneficial for HCPs.
OBJECTIVE: Healthcare providers (HCPs) can play an important role in supporting the sexual health of older adults; however, we know little about the experiences of older people in talking to HCPs about sex. This article examines older adults' experiences and perceptions of talking to HCPs about sex. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 men and 23 women aged 60 and older recruited from a national, online survey of older Australians. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: Most participants did not discuss sex with their HCP, and their HCP did not raise it. For those who did discuss sex with a HCP, negative and stigmatising responses were common. Positive responses could facilitate access to sexual health care. CONCLUSION: Older people benefit when HCPs are proactive and ask about sexual health. Education in how to talk about sex with older people would also be beneficial for HCPs.
Authors: Helena Harder; Rachel M L Starkings; Lesley J Fallowfield; Usha Menon; Ian J Jacobs; Valerie A Jenkins Journal: Menopause Date: 2019-10 Impact factor: 2.953