Discussing sexual health in a caring context : Nurses’ attitudes towards discussing sexuality – a literature review

Background: Sexuality, defined as love, intimacy and sex, is a part of patients’ overall health and concerns the quality of life. Patients have needs and wishes to discuss how the treatment and diagnosis might affect their sexual functioning as a number of medical conditions also can lead to sexual difficulties. Research has shown that nurses do not meet the patients’ need to discuss sexual matters. Aim: To describe nurses’ approach towards discussing sexuality with patients. Method: A literature review described by Friberg (2012) was conducted. The result of three qualitative and eight quantitative studies was summarized and then organized into groups depending on the similarities and differences. Results: The results outlined in four themes; The talk not taking place, Hindering factors, Promoting factors and Organizational factors. Nurses were knowledgeable in regards to how treatment and diagnosis affected patient sexuality. Even though they recognized the importance of sexuality for patients and felt responsible, nurses did avoid conversation about sexuality. Hindering factors stated by the nurses were lack of competency, considering sexuality as a private and taboo subject and feeling uncomfortable talking about sexual issues. Factors promoting conversation about sexuality were amongst others work experience and education. The organization may affect whether the nurses bring up the subject or not. Discussion: Despite that the society today is more open towards sexuality, the taboo of sexuality remains a fact in health care. A trusting and caring relationship between nurse and patient described by among others Travelbee could open up a permissive atmosphere, overcome taboos and facilitate discussions on sensitive issue. Models of sexual communication such as the PLISSIT-model could be used