N19 Nurses' difficulties in supporting the sexual well-being of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Abstract Background Sexual well-being is a state of sexual happiness and satisfaction that combines mental stability and physical health as well as builds on mutual caring and intimacy with the partner. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergo distress as they experience dating, marriage, and childbirth while living with the disease. Previous studies have indicated the importance of support related to sexual well-being but have suggested that it is a difficult topic for discussion. Hence, this study sought to clarify nurses' specific difficulties and barriers in supporting the sexual well-being of patients with IBD. Methods Nurses who had considerable experience caring for with patients with IBD were recruited using a snowballing method or opportunistic sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via a video meeting system. Some examples of the interview questions include ‘Please tell us about your experience talking with patients about romantic relationships and sexual concerns and ‘Could you tell us about your difficulties in supporting patients with IBD in relation to their sexual concerns?’ We performed a reflexive thematic analysis. Results We interviewed 20 participants (Male: 4, Female: 16) in 13 facilities, 2 of which were focus group interviews. The mean length of experience in IBD nursing was 13 years. Three themes were identified as reflecting the difficulties nurses faced in discussing sexual issues with their patients: ‘The nurses' experience and their relationships with patients’, including gender and age barriers and difficulties in building rapport; ‘Assessment of sexual well-being’, including difficulties in broaching the issue and identifying people who needed support; and ‘Education for patients and nurses in supporting sexual well-being’, including lack of materials for patients and lack of opportunities for nurses to learn. Most participants rarely experienced discussions about sexual topics and did not initiate conversations about sexual well-being on their own. Conclusion Due to the sensitive topic of sexual issues, the difficulties described by nurses were influenced by the level of rapport with patients, the lack of training on how to handle the topic, and the lack of resources. Our results suggest the need for further research into approaches to reduce nurses' difficulties, while considering the identified barriers and needs related to the sexual well-being of patients with IBD.