Nottingham study of sexuality and ageing (NoSSA II). Attitudes of care staff regarding sexuality and residents: A study in residential and nursing homes

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of research in attitudes of care staff in residential and nursing homes regarding sexuality and older people in the United Kingdom. Aims: To investigate the attitudes of care staff in residential and nursing homes regarding residents' sexuality. Design: A descriptive questionnaire survey using the attitudinal part of the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale (ASKAS). Participants and setting: Care staff in all residential and nursing homes in the Borough of Broxtowe in Nottingham. Results: 234 valid research questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 54%; the mean total ASKAS score was 60, which reflects moderately positive and permissive attitudes towards later life sexuality. There was no difference in ASKAS score between care staff of residential and nursing homes; however, nurses in nursing homes were more negative and restrictive than nurses in residential homes (p < 0.01). Managers in all care homes were more positive and permissive than nurses (p < 0.01) and care assistants (p < 0.05). Having little experience working with older people was predictive of negative attitudes (p < 0.01) and age showed a negative correlation with the ASKAS score (p < 0.01), reflecting more positive attitudes towards later life sexuality, as care staff are older and have more years of experience working in their field. Conclusions: A young age and less than 5 years' working experience with older people are predictive of more negative and restrictive attitudes towards later life sexuality. Nurses in nursing homes hold significantly more negative attitudes than their residential counterparts. Later life sexuality should be included in all educational and training programmes for care staff in residential and nursing homes.