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Rodrigues L, Peixoto MM, Patrão AL, Santos L, Magalhães SI, Nogueira C. Psychometric Properties and Gender Invariance of the Portuguese (European) Version of the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2024:10.1007/s10823-024-09517-6. [PMID: 39325346 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-024-09517-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The sexuality of older people was understood as non-existent or as something outside the prevailing norm. In this sense, analysing people's sexual knowledge and attitudes towards older people is a challenge for theory and practice. The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale (ASKAS) for the Portuguese population. A sample of 994 Portuguese adults (70.9% women, n = 705) completed the ASKAS-PT along with a series of self-report measures. Confirmatory factor analysis and the psychometric properties of the Portuguese (European) version of ASKAS-PT were investigated, particularly reliability, temporal stability, and convergent and critical validity. This study also examined the gender measurement invariance of the ASKAS-PT. After confirmatory factor analysis, a two-factor model fit the Portuguese version best. Reliability and validity results also showed good results, and the ASKAS-PT appears to be a gender-invariant measure. Overall, the Portuguese version of the ASKAS showed good psychometric properties and appears to be a valid and reliable measure for assessing knowledge and attitudes about aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Rodrigues
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Luísa Patrão
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Luís Santos
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Isabel Magalhães
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Conceição Nogueira
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Chen YH, Jones C, Bannatyne A, Horne M. Development of an Instrument to Assess Health and Social Care Professionals' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Later-Life Intimacy and Sexuality (HSCP-KALLIS): A Delphi Study. Int J Older People Nurs 2024; 19:e12629. [PMID: 38978224 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to ascertain the content validity of an instrument to assess health and social care professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards later-life intimacy and sexuality (HSCP-KALLIS). BACKGROUND For older adults, intimacy and sexuality are important in maintaining their quality of life and well-being. However, addressing these needs remains challenging for health and social care professionals, particularly for nursing staff providing 24-h direct care to older people with dementia or those identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer/questioning individuals. Existing instruments assessing knowledge and attitudes towards later-life intimacy and sexuality are dated and fail to adequately address dementia and sexual diversity. DESIGN A two-round modified Delphi study was conducted. METHODS Initially, 79 knowledge and attitude items were generated through an integrative review. Panellists rated each item's clarity and importance using online questionnaires. The content validity index for the individual and overall items was calculated. The panellists' written feedback-along with their knowledge level of later-life intimacy and sexuality-was obtained. RESULTS Panellists included health and social care professionals (n = 9); healthcare-related educators (n = 2); researchers specialising in later-life intimacy, sexuality, dementia care and sexual diversity support (n = 7); and family carers of older people with dementia (n = 2). The instrument was revised based on the feedback received. The components of dementia, LGBTIQ+ and the provision of sex worker services in healthcare settings were highlighted by the panellists. Notably, 46 knowledge and 40 attitude items fulfilled the consensus criteria for clarity and importance. CONCLUSIONS Acceptable content validity was established for the knowledge and attitude items. Further research is required to establish the psychometric properties of the HSCP-KALLIS. This instrument has implications for clinical practice-specifically, in nursing care-by addressing issues to improve awareness regarding later-life intimacy and sexuality in healthcare settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The HSCP-KALLIS has the potential to inform the educational needs regarding knowledge and attitudes towards later-life intimacy and sexuality for health and social care professionals, specifically nursing staff. The findings of the HSCP-KALLIS can be used for the development of competencies for later-life intimacy and sexuality, establishing policies and guidelines to support older adults' intimacy and sexuality needs in health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Hui Chen
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cindy Jones
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy Bannatyne
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maria Horne
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Priede A, Reissing ED. Sexual Expression in Long-Term Care Institutions: Are We Ready for the Baby Boomer Generation? Can J Aging 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38706310 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980824000163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Baby boomers were at the forefront of profound social changes in sexual attitudes and many have expressed a desire to remain sexually active throughout their life course. The purpose of this survey study was to assess the perceived preparedness of Ontario's long-term care (LTC) homes to meet the changing sexuality needs and expectations of LTC residents. We examined sexuality-related attitudes, including in the context of dementia, among 150 LTC administrators. Participants also completed a questionnaire assessing their experiences and perceptions regarding existing and anticipated supports, barriers, and priorities. Most participants demonstrated positive sexual attitudes; however, multiple challenges to meeting residents' sexuality needs were noted, including assessing capacity to consent, limited privacy, staff training, conflicting attitudes, and a lack of adequate policy and guidelines. Challenges are broad and significant and considerable attention is required to meet the expectations of the next generation of LTC residents, including gender and sexual minority elders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Priede
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elke D Reissing
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Wang L, Zou H, Liu J. Mediating effects of ageism and knowledge on the relationship between contact with older adults and attitudes toward older adults' sexuality among nursing students. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2023; 122:105740. [PMID: 36724590 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare professionals often ignore sexuality in aging and avoid discussing related topics, especially in China. Nursing students, as future professionals, can address the sexuality of older adults encountered in clinical practice by establishing positive attitudes toward aging sexuality. Previous studies have demonstrated that contact has positive impacts on nursing students' attitudes toward aging sexuality. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying this relationship between contact and attitudes. OBJECTIVES To explore the mediating effects of ageism and knowledge on the relationship between contact and nursing students' attitudes toward aging sexuality. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. SETTINGS The study was conducted at a nursing school in Hefei city, China. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS 614 nursing students completed online-administered questionnaires measuring the level of contact with older adults, ageism, knowledge, and attitudes toward aging sexuality. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. RESULTS The mean scores for knowledge and attitudes toward aging sexuality were 85.70 (SD = 16.39) and 104.91 (SD = 14.88), respectively. Overall, our findings confirmed that these hypotheses were accepted. Ageism (β = -0.079, P = 0.007) and knowledge (β = -0.070, P < 0.001) mediated the relationship between contact and attitude. CONCLUSION Given the mediating role of ageism and knowledge in the relationship between contact and attitude, reducing ageism and enhancing knowledge are vital to changing students' attitudes, including integrating ageism and aging sexuality knowledge learning into the nursing curriculum and creating opportunities for contact with older adults. The frequency and quality of contact between nursing students and older adults can be improved by rationalizing the internship duration, tasks, and assessment objectives of placements on geriatric wards and by the role of clinical faculty role models in cultivating positive attitudes toward aging sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Haiou Zou
- School of Nursing, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Nursing, Beijing An Ding Hospital, Beijing 100088, China
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Yaşlanma Cinsel Bilgi ve Tutum Ölçeği: Türkçe Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.16899/jcm.1167552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: It is designed to test the Turkish version of ASKAS's validity and reliability for use with older people, health professionals, and people who influence older people.
Material and Method: Language and content validity, item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency coefficients were evaluated in this study.
Results: It was decided to omit two items from the scale's knowledge subscale, and the three-factor structure of the attitude subscale was found to be within the range of acceptable fit indices.
Conclusions: The Turkish version of ASKAS was determined to be valid, reliable, and applicable in practice.
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Sexuality and Intimacy Behaviors in the Elderly with Dementia: The Perspective of Healthcare Professionals and Caregivers. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-019-09589-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Wells Y, Brooke E, Solly KN. Quality and Safety in Aged Care Virtual Issue: What Australian research published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing tells us. Australas J Ageing 2019; 38:E1-E6. [PMID: 30887640 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review studies published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing (AJA) about the aged care workforce, and to identify influences on quality of care and potential policy directions. METHODS Articles in the AJA on the aged care workforce published from 2009 to 2018 were identified, grouped into themes and rated for quality. RESULTS Twenty-eight articles were identified. Articles fell into four themes: (i) staff knowledge, skills and attitudes; (ii) staff well-being and workforce stability; (iii) environmental factors that influence staff capacity; and (iv) interventions to improve staff capacity. Studies reinforced the importance of staff-consumer, staff-relatives and staff-staff relationships and a supportive workplace culture for staff work ability and capacity to provide high quality care. CONCLUSIONS It is possible to improve practice in community and residential aged care, given: (i) enough staff; (ii) better training in person-centred practice; and (iii) a supportive staff culture that encourages staff to put their training into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Wells
- Lincoln Centre for Research on Ageing, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Brooke
- Melbourne School Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kane N Solly
- Lincoln Centre for Research on Ageing, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Cybulski M, Cybulski L, Krajewska-Kulak E, Orzechowska M, Cwalina U, Jasinski M. Sexual Quality of Life, Sexual Knowledge, and Attitudes of Older Adults on the Example of Inhabitants Over 60s of Bialystok, Poland. Front Psychol 2018; 9:483. [PMID: 29695983 PMCID: PMC5904191 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Aging has a strong influence on the quality of relationships and sexual functioning, but in itself does not cause a lack of sexual desire. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of sexual life and define sexual knowledge and attitudes of older people on the example of residents of Bialystok, Poland at the age of 60 and over. Methods: The study included 170 people, inhabitants of Bialystok, Poland aged over 60: 85 students of the University of Healthy Senior and the University of Psychogeriatric Prophylaxis and 85 students of the University of the Third Age. The study used three standardized psychometric scales: Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male (SQoL-M), Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQoL-F), and Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale (ASKAS). Results: The overall mean score for the ASKAS scale for knowledge was 65.21 ± 12.32 and for attitudes −124.65 ± 22.00. The overall mean SQOL score was 62.92 ± 18.18. Taking into account the gender of the respondents, the knowledge of men on sexuality of seniors was at the level of 63.48 ± 12.63, while in the female group −65.74 ± 12.23. The attitudes of men on sexuality of seniors was at the level of 128.80 ± 21.56, while in the female group −123.38 ± 22.05. Satisfaction with sex life among men (72.36 ± 27.49) was significantly higher than among women (60.02 ± 12.88). Discussion: The seniors were characterized by moderate knowledge and attitudes to sexuality of older people and the average level of sexual satisfaction. There was no significant relationship between knowledge on sexuality and sexual satisfaction in the study groups, and there was a positive correlation between attitudes toward sexuality and the satisfaction of sex life outside the group of men. In addition, a significant positive relationship was found between attitudes toward sexuality and sexual satisfaction. In order to improve the knowledge of senior citizens about sexuality of old age and to overcome the taboos that are prevalent in this topic, a structured training should be provided in this field. Such training should be carried out by specialists in the field of sexology. It is desirable to conduct in-depth studies in the assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and quality of sexual life in a larger research group, in order to get results for the population of the whole country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Cybulski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Lukasz Cybulski
- National Security Student, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Krajewska-Kulak
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Magda Orzechowska
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Urszula Cwalina
- Department of Statistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marek Jasinski
- Department of Psychology, Non-State Higher Pedagogical School in Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Villar F, Celdrán M, Serrat R, Fabà J, Martínez T. Staff's reactions towards partnered sexual expressions involving people with dementia living in long-term care facilities. J Adv Nurs 2018; 74:1189-1198. [PMID: 29285784 DOI: 10.1111/jan.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore staff responses, in terms of common practices, towards partnered sexual relationships in long-term care facilities where one or both people involved have dementia. It also tries to determine personal and institutional factors influencing these responses. BACKGROUND Although some studies, mostly qualitative, have focused on reactions to residents' sexual expressions so far the issue has not been assessed in a study using large and diverse samples. DESIGN Cross-sectional quantitative study using vignette technique. METHODS Participants were 2,295 staff members at 152 Spanish long-term care facilities. Data were collected during 2016. A vignette describing sexual situations involving people with dementia was presented to participants. After the vignette, participants had to answer the question: "What do you think most of your colleagues would do in this situation?" with nine possible responses. RESULTS Results showed that relationships involving persons with dementia were perceived as potentially problematic by staff. In both conditions, discussing the case with a colleague or supervisor was the most frequently chosen reaction. More restrictive reactions were mentioned when only one person with dementia was involved in the relationship. Factors such as participants" age and years of experience, professional post and commitment to person-centred care practices were related with the frequency of common restriction practices. CONCLUSION Results highlight the importance of providing staff with clear guidelines regarding the management of specific sexual situations to avoid stereotyped restrictive reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feliciano Villar
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Celdrán
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Serrat
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Fabà
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Martínez
- Social Services and Rights Department, Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an update of recent studies on factors associated with sexual well being in older people with a special focus on sexual activity, satisfaction and function. RECENT FINDINGS Most recent studies confirmed the relationship between mental health status, especially negative affect and depressive symptoms, and sexual health in older adulthood. However, when this relationship is investigated more deeply, it seems that in fact positive psychological well being (positive affect and quality of life) accounts for sexual activity rather than the lack of depressive symptoms. Moreover, recent studies provided more insight into the relationship between marital characteristics, religion, cognitive functioning and sleeping difficulties and different dimensions of sexual health in older adulthood. SUMMARY In summary, there is substantial previous research revealing associations between various psychosocial, health-related and demographic variables and sexual health in older adulthood. Most considered variables are, for example, age, sex, general physical and mental health. For future research, it is important to consider that relationships between specific variables and sexual health in higher age are usually more complex than they are expected to be and factors differ between different dimensions of sexual health. Communication about sexuality between health-care providers and older patients still implies a lot of barriers and lack of knowledge. Therefore, the provision of communication training for health-care providers to older people in which knowledge is gained about correlates of sexual health in older adulthood should be implemented.
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