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Murphy JC, Cooke D, Griffiths D, Setty E, Winkley-Bryant K. Asking women with diabetes about sexual problems: An exploratory study of NHS professionals' attitudes and practice: A survey of healthcare professionals regarding communication and silences about sexual problems during the routine care of women with diabetes. Diabet Med 2024; 41:e15370. [PMID: 38837551 DOI: 10.1111/dme.15370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To explore UK healthcare professionals' practice and attitudes towards asking women with diabetes about sexual health problems, including symptoms of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). METHODS An online questionnaire to address the study aims was developed, piloted by ten healthcare professionals (HCPs) and completed by 111 eligible HCPs, recruited via professional networks and social media. Free text data were analysed and reported thematically. Two questions were analysed to test the hypothesis of differences between men's and women's responses. RESULTS The majority of respondents did not ask women with diabetes about sexual problems. Multiple barriers to inquiry were reported, including inadequate training, time constraints, competing priorities, the perceived likelihood that questions will cause surprise or distress (especially for certain groups of women), the belief that sexual problems are to be expected as women age, and the belief that FSD is complex or untreatable, with unclear management pathways. Exploratory findings indicated significant differences in men and women's responses (men disagreed more strongly with prioritisation, and fewer reported routine inquiry about sexual problems in their usual practice). CONCLUSIONS HCPs reported not asking women with diabetes about sexual problems during routine care. They described multiple factors reinforcing the silence about sexual health, including inadequate education and perceived social risk for individual HCPs who deviate from the patterns of topics usually discussed in diabetes consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debbie Cooke
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Atlantis Health Ltd, London, UK
| | - David Griffiths
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK
| | - Emily Setty
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK
| | - Kirsty Winkley-Bryant
- Division of Care in Long-Term Conditions, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
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Almont T, Sougué PO, Houpert R, Beaubrun-Renard M, Montabord C, Joachim C, Véronique-Baudin J, Bouhnik AD, Bendiane MK, Mancini J, Huyghe É. Communication and sexual function and frequency in breast cancer patients 2 years after diagnosis: results from the VICAN 2 study. J Sex Med 2024; 21:333-341. [PMID: 38410031 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer treatments may have impacts on several aspects of sexual health, including psychological, psychosexual, physiological, physical, and relational. AIM In this study we sought to assess sexual function and sexual frequency in breast cancer patients 2 years after diagnosis. METHODS We selected all breast cancer participants from the the French national VIe après le CANcer 2 (VICAN 2) longitudinal study. Data sources included patient and medical questionnaires, along with medico-administrative databases. OUTCOMES Outcomes assessed were the dimensions of sexual function and frequency from the Relationship and Sexuality Scale and communication about sexuality with healthcare providers. RESULTS Out of 1350 participating women, 60.2% experienced a decrease in sexual desire, 61.4% reported a lower frequency of intercourse, and 49.5% faced decreased ability to orgasm. In contrast, 64.8% had engaged in sexual intercourse in the previous 2 weeks, 89.5% were "Somewhat" to "Very much" satisfied with the frequency of intimate touching and kisses with their partner, and 81.6% expressed satisfaction with their intercourse frequency. However, a mere 15% of women discussed sexuality with the healthcare providers. Independent factors associated with increased communication about sexuality included age younger than 50 years (OR = 1.90 95% CI [1.28-2.82], P = .001), being in a partner relationship (OR = 2.53 95% CI [1.28-2.82], P = .003), monthly income above 1,500 euros (OR = 1.73 95% CI [1.15-2.60], P = .009), and absence of diabetes (OR = 6.11 95% CI [1.39-26.93], P = .017). CLINICAL TRANSLATION The study findings underscore the need for continuing education in oncosexology and dedicated sexual health interventions that should involve a holistic approach that takes into consideration age, treatments, relationship status, and whether the patient has diabetes. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of the study are the sample size, the national representativeness, and data reliability. However, the cross-sectional design could introduce potential recall, recency, or social desirability biases. Also, social determinants influencing sexual health, such as ethnicity or geographic locations, have not been considered in the analyses. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that sexual disorders persist 2 years after a breast cancer diagnosis, with a noticeable communication gap regarding sexuality between patients and medical teams. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored sexual health interventions, particularly designed for women who are single, older aged, and diabetes patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Almont
- RESEARCH on Cancer Unit UF3596, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- General Cancer Registry of Martinique UF1441, Oncology Departmxent, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- Oncosexology Unit, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- Laboratoire Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité et Environnement (DEFE) UMR 1203, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, CHRU 34295 Montpellier, Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CHU 31300, Toulouse, Occitanie, France. https://www.defe.fr
| | - Prisca Ouowéné Sougué
- RESEARCH on Cancer Unit UF3596, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
| | - Rémi Houpert
- RESEARCH on Cancer Unit UF3596, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- General Cancer Registry of Martinique UF1441, Oncology Departmxent, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
| | - Murielle Beaubrun-Renard
- Oncosexology Unit, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
| | - Christelle Montabord
- RESEARCH on Cancer Unit UF3596, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
| | - Clarisse Joachim
- RESEARCH on Cancer Unit UF3596, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- General Cancer Registry of Martinique UF1441, Oncology Departmxent, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- Oncosexology Unit, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
| | - Jacqueline Véronique-Baudin
- RESEARCH on Cancer Unit UF3596, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- General Cancer Registry of Martinique UF1441, Oncology Departmxent, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- Oncosexology Unit, Oncology Department, Martinique University Hospital (CHU Martinique), 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique
- Laboratoire Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité et Environnement (DEFE) UMR 1203, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, CHRU 34295 Montpellier, Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CHU 31300, Toulouse, Occitanie, France. https://www.defe.fr
| | - Anne-Déborah Bouhnik
- Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, ISSPAM, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Marc-Karim Bendiane
- Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, ISSPAM, 13385, Marseille, France
- Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Therapeutic Unit, AP-HM, 270 Boulevard de Sainte Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
| | - Julien Mancini
- Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, ISSPAM, 13385, Marseille, France
- Public Health Department, Service Biostatistique et Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication (BIOSTIC), hôpital Timone, APHM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Éric Huyghe
- Laboratoire Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité et Environnement (DEFE) UMR 1203, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, CHRU 34295 Montpellier, Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CHU 31300, Toulouse, Occitanie, France. https://www.defe.fr
- Urology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 1, avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhès - TSA 50032 - 31059 Toulouse, France
- Francophone Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (AFSOS), 33130 Bègles, France
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Simmons K, Llewellyn C, Bremner S, Gilleece Y, Norcross C, Iwuji C. The barriers and enablers to accessing sexual health and sexual well-being services for midlife women (aged 40-65 years) in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241277723. [PMID: 39305093 PMCID: PMC11418360 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241277723] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Midlife, beginning at 40 years and extending to 65 years, a range that encompasses the late reproductive to late menopausal stages, is a unique time in women's lives, when hormonal and physical changes are often accompanied by psychological and social evolution. Access to sexual health and sexual well-being (SHSW) services, which include the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and the support of sexual function, pleasure and safety, is important for the health of midlife women, their relationships and community cohesion. The objective was to use the socio-ecological model to synthesise the barriers and enablers to SHSW services for midlife women in high-income countries. A systematic review of the enablers and barriers to women (including trans-gender and non-binary people) aged 40-65 years accessing SHSW services in high-income countries was undertaken. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed publications. Findings were thematically extracted and reported in a narrative synthesis. Eighty-one studies were included; a minority specifically set out to study SHSW care for midlife women. The key barriers that emerged were the intersecting disadvantage of under-served groups, poor knowledge, about SHSW, and SHSW services, among women and their healthcare professionals (HCPs), and the over-arching effect of stigma, social connections and psychological factors on access to care. Enablers included intergenerational learning, interdisciplinary and one-stop women-only services, integration of SHSW into other services, peer support programmes, representation of minoritised midlife women working in SHSW, local and free facilities and financial incentives to access services for under-served groups. Efforts are needed to enhance education about SHSW and related services among midlife women and their healthcare providers. This increased education should be leveraged to improve research, public health messaging, interventions, policy development and access to comprehensive services, especially for midlife women from underserved groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiersten Simmons
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Carrie Llewellyn
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Stephen Bremner
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Yvonne Gilleece
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Collins Iwuji
- Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
- Africa Health Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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İlaslan E, Yavaş G, Aflay U. Sexual life experiences of women with diabetes: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:272-288. [PMID: 38145331 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2295254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to systematically interpret and synthesize the data obtained from qualitative research about the sexual lives of women with diabetes. A thorough literature review was conducted between May and July 2023 across five electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO, and Science Direct Embase. Eight studies published in English since 2000, which explored the sexual experiences of women with diabetes, were included in this assessment. The sexual experiences of women with diabetes were summarized under five main themes: perception of sexuality, changes in sexual life, adapting to the new normal, unmet care needs, and expectations. This review underlines the intricate nature of diabetic women's sexual experiences, acknowledging the substantial impact of diabetes-related complications and the associated emotional stress on their quality of life and intimate relationships. The study finds that awareness varies among women, with some adapting to the changes brought on by diabetes, while others remain uninformed about its impact on their sexual health. There is a pronounced need for integrating sexual health into diabetes care routines. Many women face unaddressed sexual health concerns and require education and empathetic care from knowledgeable health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine İlaslan
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Kumluca Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gamze Yavaş
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Kumluca Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Uğur Aflay
- Department of Urology, Finike State Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
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Camacho C, Camacho EM, Lee DM. Trends and projections in sexually transmitted infections in people aged 45 years and older in England: analysis of national surveillance data. Perspect Public Health 2023; 143:263-271. [PMID: 35766307 PMCID: PMC10576406 DOI: 10.1177/17579139221106348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We describe the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV in people aged ⩾45 years in England and provide future projections about the burden of STIs in this age group. METHODS Analysis of national surveillance data in England from 2014 to 2019 for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, anogenital warts and HIV was carried out. Time trends were assessed by the Poisson regression and reported using incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Two scenarios were modelled to predict the number of new STI diagnoses and associated costs in 2040. RESULTS In 2019, there were 37,692 new STI diagnoses in people ⩾45 years in England. Between 2014 and 2019, there was a significant increase in the rate of new STI diagnoses in men (IRR = 1.05, p = .05) and those aged 45-64 years (IRR = 1.04, p = .05). Absolute numbers of new STI diagnoses in men who have sex with men increased by 76% between 2014 and 2019 (IRR = 1.15, p < .001). In adults aged ⩾50 years, the number of episodes of care for HIV increased over time (age = 50-64 years, IRR = 1.10; age = 65+ years, IRR = 1.13; p <.001). The modelled scenarios predicted an increase in STI diagnoses and costs in older people by 2040. CONCLUSION STI rates in England are increasing in people aged ⩾45 years. The population is ageing and older people will contribute an increasing burden to STI costs if this trend continues. The reasons for this trend are not fully understood and further longitudinal epidemiological research is needed. Sexual health promotion campaigns and healthcare interventions targeted at older people should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Camacho
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - EM Camacho
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - DM Lee
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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