Sexual Dysfunction and Preferences for Discussing Sexual Health Concerns Among Veteran Primary Care Patients

ABSTRACTPrimary care physicians are in a position to recognize sexuality as a core component of health. Data examining the sexual behaviours of Canadians over the age of 50 and the role of primary care in this domain is lacking. A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients over the age of 50, which assessed the importance of sexual activity, problems, and preferences in discussing sexual health with their primary care providers. A total of 39 per cent of patients indicated ongoing sexual activity and 52% of male participants reported current sexual activity compared with 25 per cent of females (p < 0.01). More males reported sexual activity as important than did females (69% vs. 45%, p < 0.01). Participants identifying sexual health concerns discussed physical dysfunctions more than emotional, social, or global health concerns (p < 0.01). More male participants discussed sexual health concerns with their family physician than did females (p < 0.01). The results of our study indicate that many individuals over the age of 50 continue to be sexually active, and that physical and non-physical concerns directly impact participation in sexual activity.

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Sexual health status and vitamin D in primary care patients from the Middle East and Sweden

10.21203/rs.3.rs-36681/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Marina Taloyan ◽

Kristin Steiner ◽

Claes-Göran Östenson ◽

Helena Salminen

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Sexual Desire ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

Life Dissatisfaction ◽

Middle Easterners

Abstract Background Low vitamin D is more common in Middle Eastern-born patients (Middle Easterners) than in Swedish-born patients of northern European descent (Swedes), and the condition might affect sexual health. The present study (i) investigated primary care (PC) patients (ii) compared self-reported sexual health in Swedes and Middle Easterners; (iii) analysed differences within and between the groups and (iv) analysed differences in vitamin D levels between the groups. Methods 522 PC patients responded to a health questionnaire that included items on sexual health. All provided blood samples: 225 Middle Easterners from Iran, Iraq, and Turkey and 297 Swedes. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR). Results Middle Easterners reported less sexual dysfunction than Swedes; 75.8% of Middle Easterners and 18.9% of Swedes presented a 25(OH)D of < 50 nmol/L. The crude OR for reporting sexual dysfunction was 70% higher in Swedes compared to Middle Easterners (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.92–3.23). This OR remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, waist circumference, and reported sexual desire. But the significance disappeared after additional adjustment for vitamin D. In both groups, more females than males reported insufficient sexual desire. More female Middle Easterners reported sex life dissatisfaction. More female Swedes reported sexual dysfunction. Covariate inclusions could not explain the association between gender and insufficient sexual desire. Vitamin D could explain association between gender and sex life dissatisfaction in Middle Easterners, and age could explain association between gender and sexual dysfunction in Swedes. Age, waist circumference, and vitamin D levels were significant covariates in the logistic regression models. Conclusions Results from the present study suggest that vitamin D variation partly explains differences in sexual dysfunction between the groups and between genders within the groups. Vitamin D therapy should be investigated to determine if these results are clinically useful. That said, perceptions about sex life and mental health (rather the physiological pathology) might explain the results. And further investigation into female Middle Easterners and female Swedes is warranted.

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Impact of screening for mental health concerns on health service utilization and functional status in primary care patients

Archives of Internal Medicine ◽

10.1001/archinte.156.22.2593 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 156 (22) ◽

pp. 2593-2599 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

D. R. Reifler

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Health Service ◽

Functional Status ◽

Service Utilization ◽

Health Service Utilization ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Primary Care Patients ◽

Mental Health Concerns

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Let’s Talk About Sex: A Survey of Patients’ Preferences When Addressing Sexual Health Concerns in a Family Medicine Residency Program Office

PRiMER ◽

10.22454/primer.2018.728252 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Katie L. Ryan ◽

Veronica Arbuckle-Bernstein ◽

George Smith ◽

Julie Phillips

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Family Medicine ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Residency Program ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Family Medicine Residency ◽

Sexual Concerns ◽

Physician Relationship ◽

Pearson Correlations

Introduction: Comprehensive medical care should embody the biopsychosocial care model and encompass all aspects of health. Sexual health topics may be overlooked or avoided because of patient and provider discomfort. Our purpose was to better understand patients’ preferences about discussing sexual concerns in primary care. We hypothesized that most individuals have sexual concerns, but many barriers prevent them from seeking care. Method: We surveyed patients at a family medicine residency program office. The survey explored whether patients had experienced sexual concerns, preferences for addressing concerns in the office, and barriers and facilitators to addressing concerns. Results were analyzed using counts and proportions. Pearson correlations, Pearson 𝜒2 analyses, and independent samples t-tests were used to explore demographic differences in responses. Results: Most participants indicated that physicians should ask all patients about having sexual concerns and that physicians should initiate these conversations. Younger participants were more likely to have this preference. Participants identified embarrassment as the most common barrier to sexual health conversations. Participants indicated it was easier to discuss sexual concerns with physicians of the same gender and/or a physician they had seen before. Conclusions: The majority of patients prefer active inquiry about sexual health concerns from primary care physicians. However, because a large minority prefer not to be asked about sexual health, physicians should inquire sensitively, particularly with older patients. Continuity of patient-physician relationship and allowing patients to choose their provider based on gender may also help facilitate these discussions.

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