'Attitudes and Beliefs of Nurses in addressing Sexuality in Chronic Rheumatic Diseases'

We asked 75 Irish Rheumatology nurses (44 responses) via email to outline their attitudes and experiences on this topic.

Results

Nurses’ perception that patients do not expect nurses to discuss sexual concerns was the greatest barrier to incorporate sexuality into nursing practice. 

Nurses’ understanding of patients’ diseases and treatments on patients’ sexuality ranked lowest as a potential barrier.

Nurses who addressed sexuality, focused on contraception, family planning and pregnancy.

66% of nurses also indicated that sexuality should be discussed even if not initiated by the patient.

77% did not believe that sexuality was too private an issue to discuss.

79% indicated that discussing sexuality is essential to patient’s health outcomes.