Knowledge, attitude and practice of elders about sexuality

Abstract

Background: Sexuality has been described as one of the most natural and basic aspects of life that affect an individual's identity as human being. Until recently, sexuality of elderly people has not been discussed openly and freely in many countries, including Egypt. Therefore, the role of the gerontological nurse in the intervention of sexual dysfunction is to provide reassurance, education, and brief counseling. Aim of the study was to identify knowledge, attitude and practice of elders about sexuality. Research design: Cross-sectional descriptive design was used in this study. Methods: This study was conducted in three elderly clubs available in Mansoura city, Dakahlia Governorate and their number amounted to 158 elderly people. Data was collected by self administered questionnaire consists of five parts: Socio-demographic data, factor affecting marital relationship, aging sexual knowledge, attitude of elderly about sexuality, and practice of elderly about sexuality. Results: The majority of studied sample was females and more than half of the studied sample had moderate knowledge about sexuality and decreased number of sexual relationship among elderly people. Regarding the importance of sexuality, the majority of studied sample reported sexuality unimportant for them and the most common risk factors affecting sexuality were psychological factors. Finally, this study found a negative correlation between knowledge and attitude with p value = (p= 0.345 and r= -.076). Conclusion and Recommendations: It can be concluded that a negative correlation between knowledge and attitude. therefore the role of gerontological nurse is very important to improve their knowledge and practice through, education, and brief counseling.