Do Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs Impede NP Students Discussing Sexual Health Issues with Patients

Regardless of their age, sexual health is a concern for all adults. Helping patients manage their sexual health is important, but often ignored by health care providers. Attitudes and beliefs related to sex and sexuality held by health professionals can create a barrier to inquiring about the sexual health of their patients. As a result many unresolved concerns related to sexuality and sex may go unanswered for patients who do not initiate communication about sexual health issues with their health care providers. Focus Groups of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Practitioner Students were formed and the Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs Survey (SABS) (Reynolds and Magnan, 2005) was used to identify comfort levels, address barriers to discussing sexuality and their ability to discuss sexuality with their patients. Focus group discussions were followed with lectures on Discussing Sexuality with Your Patient and Conducting a Sexual Health History for the purpose of assisting NP students to develop comfort and confidence in addressing sexuality with their patients. Results showed an increased awareness and for some more confidence in initiating communication regarding sexual health issues with patients. As a result, NP classes now include topics related to sexual health inquiry and follow up.