Sexual healthcare knowledge, attitudes, and practices among primary care physicians in Trinidad and Tobago

Knowledge, practices and barriers to access sexual health of women in the menopausal stages: a cross-sectional study with Brazilian gynecologists

BACKGROUND

Sexual health access and care for women in the menopausal stages face significant barriers, presenting deficits in relation to diagnosis and treatment. Although epidemiological data indicate high prevalence of problems related to sexual health in this population, traditionally, the theme is not discussed in health care settings. This study aimed to analyze knowledge, practices and barriers to access sexual health of women in the menopausal stages in the context of women's health care in Brazil.

METHODS

With a cross-sectional design, a questionnaire was distributed electronically, encompassing variables related to knowledge; practices; and barriers to access sexual health of women in the menopausal stages. The data obtained were subjected to analysis using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specifically, we employed multivariate analysis, employing multiple linear regression models, to discern potential factors associated with outcomes concerning the level of knowledge and the frequency of addressing the topic in professional practice.

RESULTS

The sample included 70 physicians with specialization in obstetrician/gynecologists who work in health care with women in the menopausal transition or postmenopausal women. A high level of self-reported knowledge about sexual health was identified. Regarding the practices, most of them reported directly proposing the subject and not using instruments. Although they reported frequently addressing the topic in general, topics related to vaginal lubrication, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction have been more present in the clinic compared to sexual orientation and women's relationship with themselves. The main barriers were time limitation and patient discomfort with the topic. The multivariate models indicated that female gynecologists and professionals with higher levels of knowledge on the subject had a higher frequency of addressing sexual health in clinical practice with women in menopausal stages.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual health access and care for brazilian women in the menopausal stages presents discrepancies in the frequency of approach between the various topics, in addition to the predictive character of technical knowledge in the practices of professionals. To ensure universal access to sexual health services for this population, an active approach through specific instruments is important, as well as the reinforcement of strategies to improve the level of knowledge of professionals.

Competence and Attitude of Family Physicians towards Sexuality Regarding Their Sexual Orientation, Age, or Having a Partner-Survey Study and Validation

BACKGROUND

The main objective of this study was to assess different aspects of family physicians (sex, age, sexual orientation, or having a partner) regarding their competencies, attitudes, and procedures towards their patients' sexuality. We also sought to develop a valid questionnaire to perform this task.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed among family and community medicine physicians in southeast Spain.

RESULTS

A total of 259 family physicians participated. Overall, 69.9% were women, 80.7% were heterosexual, 80.7% had a partner, and 50.6% had not received specific sexology training. Homosexual physicians showed a slightly more positive attitude toward sexuality. Training in sexuality established differences in competencies and procedures, but no differences were found in the attitude regarding whether the physicians had a partner or their training. While younger ages were correlated with a more positive attitude, the global score was positively correlated with the age of the professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Competences, attitudes, and knowledge of procedures do not depend on whether the professional has a partner, but there may be slight differences regarding attitude when considering the sexual orientation of the physicians. The attitude toward sexuality may not depend on previous training. Albeit younger family physicians have a more positive attitude, all providers become more involved with sexuality as they gain professional experience.

Sex education and Afghan migrant adolescent women

INTRODUCTION

Successful sex is one of the greatest behavioral needs of couples, especially those who marry at an early age. The best way to access information is education and learning. Face to face training is one of the most common methods, with the advancement of technology, multimedia training can be a good alternative method to sex education. This study was designed to comparison between two educational method Multimedia and Face to face on sexual function of Afghan Migrant Adolescent Women.

METHODS

The study was a quasi-experimental educational intervention conducted in selected charity centers in Mashhad. The selected centers were randomly chosen as face to face intervention (n = 36), multimedia intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups. Our method of sampling was convenient at each center. Intervention groups received four one-hour sessions of sex education using various face to face and multimedia methods. Sexual function were measured using female sexual function index (FSFI) before, immediately and 8 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 16.

RESULTS

The level of sexual function did not show a significant difference in groups before the intervention, but these increased significantly immediately (P = 0.005) and 8 weeks later (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Because of the taboo of sexual issues and the lack of difference between the two methods in improving sexual function, multimedia method is a good alternative educational method.