The nursing team's performance towards the sexuality of institutionalized elderly women

Abstract

Objective: Analyzing how the nursing team performs in facing the sexuality in the daily lives of institutionalized elderly women. Method: A qualitative and descriptive study carried out in a Nursing Home in the southern region of Brazil. Data were collected from April to July 2016 through a semi-structured interview and submitted to the French Discourse Analysis of Michel Pêcheux. The study complied with the norms of the Brazilian legislation for research on human beings. Results: Eighteen (18) nursing professionals participated in the study. Ideological and imaginary formations permeated the subjects' discourse, evoking the understanding of sexuality, its institutional conformation and the performance demanded under manifestations of this sexuality. Thus, considering the professionals' performance, it became possible to identify difficulties such as embarrassment, discomfort or prevalence of personal beliefs and strategies. These strategies have diversified ranging from the use of humor to direct repressive actions. Conclusion: Understanding the dynamics of professionals' performance towards sexuality allows us to glimpse the need for comprehensiveness in care related to social, ideological and imaginary formations which demand an imperative strengthening of academic and professional training.