Abstract
Background: Examining registered nurses' perceptions of sexually transmitted disease (STD) education among residents in nursing homes allows for broader insight into why STDs continue to increase among older adults. Methods: A 4-page pilot survey was mailed to nursing home directors of nursing in Northwest Ohio (n=99) with a response rate of 32%. Directors of nursing were the target population as they are the most likely employee to hold registered nurse licensure. The health belief model formed the basis for the survey. Results: Most nurses did not see STDs or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as problems among their residents (100% and 96%, respectively) yet support for sex among residents was high. All (100%) agreed sex among married residents should be supported, while 77% agreed sex among nonmarried residents should be supported. Most nurses stated they were comfortable discussing HIV risk (84%), STD risk (84%), erectile dysfunction (75%), sexual desire and intimacy (72%), and correct condom use (66%). The most commonly reported perceived barriers to STD education were family opposition (63%), resident embarrassment (56%), and lack of education regarding the prevalence of STDs in older adults (53%). The most commonly reported perceived benefits to STD education were being seen as a leading facility for healthy initiatives (66%) and promotion of healthy sexual relationships among residents (56%). Conclusion: There was strong support for STD education among nurses though implementation remains rare. Addressing the most commonly perceived barriers and benefits may prove beneficial in increasing the number of LTCFs that provide STD education to residents.
Highlights
Many older adults in the United States (US) aged 65 to 80 years are sexually active (40%)[1] yet report less condom use, fewer sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings, and lower risk perceptions of STDs than their younger counterparts.[2]
The most commonly reported perceived barriers to STD education were family opposition (63%), resident embarrassment (56%), and lack of education regarding the prevalence of STDs in older adults (53%)
Addressing the most commonly perceived barriers and benefits may prove beneficial in increasing the number of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) that provide STD education to residents
Summary
Many older adults in the United States (US) aged 65 to 80 years are sexually active (40%)[1] yet report less condom use, fewer sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings, and lower risk perceptions of STDs than their younger counterparts.[2]. Individuals who reside in LTCFs tend to have higher dependency on care staff than the rest of the population, potentially hindering opportunities for sex and sexual expression.[4,5] an increased prevalence of chronic illnesses compared to the general population coupled with prescription medications that limit sexual drive contribute to limited opportunities for sexual intimacy.[4] This does not mean that individuojph.org als in LTCFs are asexual, as research has shown that sexual intimacy, while possibly becoming more difficult in older age, is still an important aspect of life.[5,6] Since more than 1.5 million nurse employees (ie, registered nurses [RNs], licensed practical nurses [LPNs], and licensed vocational nurses [LVNs]) work in LTCFs in the US,[7] examining barriers to STD education from the nurses’ perspective allows for insight into why STD education and screening in nursing homes remains rare among this vulnerable population. Examining registered nurses’ perceptions of sexually transmitted disease (STD) education among residents in nursing homes allows for broader insight into why STDs continue to increase among older adults
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