الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: Nursing as a holistic practice, address all dimensions of human health and functioning including sexuality to identify any alterations of health. Aim: this study aims to assess nurse’s perception of barriers and enhancers toward discussing female sexual issues in nursing practice. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive exploratory research design was adopted for this study. Sample: A convenience sample of 200 nurses working in different setting at teaching hospital were participated in this study.Tool; Data was collected through six months during 2013 utilizing (I) interviewing questionnaire tool developed by the research investigator which included three subparts: a) demographic profile of the subjects, b) subject{u2019}s previous educational background and training related to sexuality; and c) nurse{u2019}s knowledge related to factors affecting female sexual function. (II) Scale for perceived barriers (24 items) and perceived enhancers (11 items) using Likert scale scoring ranged from 1-5. Result: findings of this study revealed that there are three types of barriers as perceived by the nurse: a) Nurse{u2019}s barriers such as: lack of knowledge (67%), feeling embarrassed (65.5%) lack of experience (64%); B) Women barriers as: woman concerned with other problems (58%), embarrassed (57%); and C) Work and community barriers as: lack of private setting (68%), sexuality a low health priority (61%), lack of a role model (58.%) were the common barriers. Moreover, availability of clinics concerned with female sexual problems (66.5%), availability of private settings (65.%), women should express their sexuality concern with health care provider (61.5), availability of sexuality care guidelines in nursing practice (60.5%) and increase awareness of nursing staff (57.%) were the most important enhancers. Conclusion: there are a numerous barriers which can hinder nurses to discuss sexuality in nursing practice. Recommendations: Sexual education in nursing curriculum, as well as, increase the awareness of nurses about their role in sexuality care |