Staff perceptions of sexuality-related problems and behaviors of psychiatrically hospitalized children and adolescents.

Clinical staff at two hospitals serving children and adolescents were surveyed regarding their observations and experiences regarding the sexuality-related behaviors and issues of patients. Results of this descriptive study indicate that staff frequently encounter a wide range of such problems, including the effects sexual abuse, sexually aggressive or inappropriate behavior, lack of knowledge about basic hygiene and sexual development, pregnancy and contraception, high-risk behaviors, and sexually-transmitted diseases, including AIDS. Similarities and differences of the perceptions by staff of these problems are compared across unit types (children's, adolescents, dually-diagnosed, developmentally-disabled). Implications for staff training, clinical policies, and further research are discussed.